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Opera in BarcelonaThis page will give you an overview to some of the most popular opera venues in Barcelona
Opera At Gran Teatre del LiceuThe Gran Teatre del Liceu has suffered two fires and a bombing in its lifetime. It has gained a legendary status amongst opera fans, not only for its fighting spirit, but also for its reputation as one of the most beautiful and credible opera venues in the world. In Barcelona it has inspired other venues to follow in its footsteps. Palau Dalmasses, amongst others, offers an alternative but equally pleasurable operatic experience. Most visitors to Barcelona will have happened upon the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Sitting half way up the Ramblas, on the left if you are walking from the port, it is a large building and is hard to miss. However its austere exterior does not do justice to the size and beauty of the space that lies within. As you sit within the large 2,340 seat auditorium, take a second to consider the building's history. Built in 1844 and opened in 1848 it has lived through many changes in Barcelona. It is easy to understand why the venue is considered amongst the greatest opera venues in the world and is so important to the cultural heritage of the city. Having circled the outside of the building I began to realise that it is difficult to gain a real sense of what the theatre is like without paying to enter. The exterior is impressive, with large glass windows and arches at the entrance, but offers no sense of what lies inside. This can obviously be achieved by booking tickets to a concert. Alternatively there are various tour options available - detailed below. There is ballet, opera and recitals on offer. It is worth checking the website (listed below) or picking up a programme from the venue to study it in detail as there is something for everybody, including 'late night sessions' and concerts in the foyer area. The programme now also features an imaginative new project known as 'El Petit Liceu'. It provides child friendly offerings, such as adaptations of 'The Magic Flute' and 'The Barber of Seville' with colourful sets and imaginative costumes. Ticket prices vary greatly and for the opera they can be as cheap as 9 euros for a ticket. The most expensive seats cost 186.50 euros. It is worth contacting the venue to find out details about special offers for senior citizens, under 26s and children. It is also possible to see shows at reduced rates by alternative casts. Guided Tours Of Liceu TheatreIf there's no time or money left for the opera and you would still like to see the building, guided tours are on offer. A guided tour of the Liceu takes place daily at 10:00, lasting 1 hour 10 minutes and costing 8.50 euros. Alternatively, if you'd rather be left to your own devices, 'unguided tours' are on offer daily at 11:30, 12:00, 12:30 and 13:00 and cost only 4.00 euros. Be warned though, these tours only last 20 minutes, so you may feel that you are being rushed through the venue. Also, those taking the full guided tour are granted access to the Cercle del Liceu - a private club containing paintings by Ramon Casas. If you’re more interested in what goes on 'behind the scenes', the Liceu are now offering tours that may satisfy your curiosity. It takes in the backstage areas rather than the front-of-house. Advanced booking is required and the tours take place at 09:15 on selected days. The tour lasts 1hour 30 minutes and takes in the stage, rehearsal rooms, costume department and make up. At 10 euros per person, it could prove to be perfect for budding opera stars!
In the foyer area there is a standard looking cafeteria, offering a lunch menu at 9 euros, which is served daily from 13:00 -16:00. There is also a shop located at the front of the building that is full of imaginative and interesting gifts, such as toys, sheet music and souvenirs. Gran Teatre del Liceu
Tickets: Guided Tours: Palau Dalmases Opera VenueDeep in the heart of the Born district, down a charming little street, just past the Picasso Museum, there lurks an unassuming wooden door. What lies beneath is a hidden treasure, known only to locals and clued-up tourists. The Espai Barroc is a patio area that is centuries old. It contains a bar area where you can enjoy a quiet drink in a magical setting. Outside of the bar area is the terrace. The large windows to the bar area ensure that those sitting in the patio can enjoy the wonderful interior, with numerous paintings hanging from the walls and impressive baroque style furnishings. On Thursdays a treat is in store. From 23:00 a group called Opera Ílica perform works from the likes of Handel, Mozart. Rossini and Verdi. It is an opportunity to discover a hidden gem and try something different in Barcelona. Tourists are forbidden from taking photos inside and the staff are very eager to protect this Barcelona opera venue from becoming a tourist trap. Palau Dalmases E-mail: espaibarroc@hotmail.com Opening Times: Tickets: Others Venues Performing Opera in Barcelona:Please see our 'Guide to Classical Concert Venues in Barcelona' for more ideas on venues where you might be lucky to catch the opera. Worth checking in particular are the Caixa Forum and the Palau de la Musica Catalana. CaixaFórum Palau de la Musica Catalana Tel: (0034) 90 244 2882 (ticket sales), (0034) 93 268 4146 (information) Related PagesSonar Music Festival in Barcelona Music and Arts events in Barcelona during the summer Classical concert venues - Venues for classical music in the city centre.
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