Classical Concert Venues in Barcelona
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The people of Cataluña are proud of their musical heritage. This is reflected in the wonderful and innovative spaces on offer to enjoy classical music in Barcelona. There are many and varied places to celebrate music in enjoyable surroundings. It is worth checking the programmes for the various venues ahead of time as it may be necessary to book in advance- tickets for good quality shows sell like hot cakes. Programmes are generally best found at the venue itself or on the venue's website- addresses are provided below.
Palau de la Musica Catalana
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| Entrance to the Palau de la Musica Catalana |
Possibly the most well-known classical concert venue in Barcelona, visitors flock to the building in El Born to enjoy the ornate interior as well as the music. Its monthly programme is extensive and includes chamber choir music, orchestras, piano concerts and sometimes even seminars on music. Most concerts take place in the Concert Hall, with 2,146 seats. However, smaller recitals are also available in the Sala Petit Palau.
As a Barcelona icon it has played host to a plethora of big names in classical music. It is also the home of the Orfeó Catalá choir, who perform at the venue. It is renowned for its forward-thinking Catalan vision which is reflected in the varied music selection- the 2008 centenary celebrations included performances from acts such as Katie Melua and Matthew Herbert.
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| A Statue outside the restaurant at Palau de la Musica Catalana |
Please see our 'Review of Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalana' for more information regarding the history of the building, guided tours and amenities.
Palau de la Música Catalana
Carrer Palau de la Música, 4 - 6
08003 Barcelona, España.
Tel: +34 93 295 7207
(ticket sales)
Tel: +34 93 295 7200
(information)
How to get to Palau de la Música Catalana
Metro: Urquinaona (Red Line, L1) and (Yellow Line, L4)Hop on hop off sightseeing tourist bus stop
Nearest stop for Palau de la Música Catalana is "Catedral - Gòtic" with the "hop on hop off" sightseeing bus
Public bus
Via Laietana / Comtal: 45, V15, V17Plaça Urquinaona: 39, 42, 55, H16
Car parking
Luggage Storage
Ticket Sales:
Tel: +34 93 295 7207
Website: www.palaumusica.cat (this website is particularly easy to use).
Box office timetable:
Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 21:00
Saturday: 09:30 - 21:00
Sunday and Public Holiday: 09:30 - 13:00
L'Auditori
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| L'Auditori Façade |
L'Auditori was opened in March 1999 and is the home of Barcelona's orchestra, the OBC (Orquestra Simfónica de Barcelona I Nacional de Catalunya). It is in stark contrast to the ornate and decorative Palau de le Musica, with a modernist structure. It was designed by famous architect, Rafael Moneo. On arriving at the building, it lacks the warmth of Palau de la Musica, however, the building is an impressive modernist structure in its own right and the building was designed with the specific intention of hosting music concerts and providing impressive acoustics.
The building contains three major rooms: Pau Casals (2,200 capacity), Oriol Martorell (600 capacity) and Tete Montoliu (400 capacity). Pau Casals was designed to ensure that every audience member enjoys the same high standard of acoustics.
In 2006 the venue management announced its intention to promote and offer a wider range of music genres. It would still focus on classical music, but also offer other options. It is now renowned for its open-minded approach to music and showcases styles such as jazz, flamenco and singer-songwriter.
At the L'Auditori there is also the new Museu de la Música - an interesting option for any music lover. It contains display cases brimming with instruments of all different varieties from around the world.
Right next door to L'Auditori is the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya (www.tnc.cat). This is one of Barcelona's most prestigious theatre venues. Designed by Ricard Bofill, it's definitely worth a look if you're in the area.
L'Auditori
Lepant, 150
08013 Barcelona, España.
Tel: +34 93 247 9300
How to get to L'Auditori
Metro: Marina (Red Line, L1), or Monumental (Purple Line, L2)Hop on hop off sightseeing tourist bus stop
Nearest stop for L'Auditori is "Glòries - Torre Agbar" or "Teatre Nacional - Auditori" (02/11 - 25/03) with the Barcelona City Tour "hop on hop off" sightseeing bus
Car parking
Tickets:
Tel: +34 90 204 4226
(if calling from Spain)
Tel: +34 93 247 9300
(if calling from outside of Spain)
Website: 'Buy Tickets' on the website - www.auditori.cat
Box Office Timetable:
| Month | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| January - December | Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday - Friday | 17:00 - 21:00 | |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 13:00 and 17:00 - 21:00 | |
| Sunday | Open 1 hour before the concert |
Sunday morning:
Open from one hour before to the end of the concert
Sunday evening/night:
Open from one hour before to the beginning of the concert
Access For People With A Disability
Tel: +34 93 247 9300
(when booking tickets)
Auditori Winterthur
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| Auditori Winterthur Building |
This venue's full title is 'Centre Convencions Auditori AXA -Illa Diagonal' and it is tucked away in a shopping centre in the Diagonal area which is situated a few kilometres north of the Plaça de Catalunya. It has only 650 seats and so it is an intimate alternative to the larger music halls detailed above. Often used as a corporate venue, it is difficult to find information regarding the programming etc. They do not have their own website, besides the corporate AXA website that does not provide programme information etc., but if you keep an eye on websites for classical music enthusiasts such as www.opus-classical.com they will feature events taking place.
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| Auditori Winterthur Entrance |
Auditori Winterthur
Avenida Diagonal, 547
08029 Barcelona, España.
Tel: +34 93 290 1102
How to get to Auditori AXA
Metro: Maria Cristina (Green Line, L3)Hop on hop off sightseeing tourist bus stop
Nearest stop for Auditori AXA is "L'Illa Diagonal" with the Barcelona City Tour "hop on hop off" sightseeing bus
Public bus
Diagonal / Entença: 6, 7, 33, 34, 63, 67
Car parking
Website: AuditorioAXA
This guide has covered a few Barcelona gems on the music hall theme. However, the city has a thriving classical musical scene and there are many other options to consider. It is worth checking the programme at the CaixaFórum in Montjuïc, where concerts sit alongside art exhibitions and lectures. The Gran Teatre del Liceu is described in detail in our 'Guide to Opera Venues in Barcelona'.
Caixa Forum
Avenida de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8
08038 Barcelona, España.
How to get to Caixa Forum
Metro: España (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1)
Hop on hop off sightseeing tourist bus stop
Nearest stop for Caixa Forum is "CaixaForum - Pavelló Mies van der Rohe" with the "hop on hop off" sightseeing bus
Public bus
Avinguda Ferrer i Guàrdia / Mèxic: 13, 150
Plaça Espanya: 13, 23, 30, 37, 46, 50, 65, 79, 91, 109, H12, H16
Car parking
Gran Teatre del Liceu
La Rambla, 51 - 59
08002 Barcelona, España.
How to get to Gran Teatre del Liceu
Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3)
Hop on hop off sightseeing tourist bus stop
Nearest stop for Gran Teatre del Liceu is "Catedral - Gòtic" with the "hop on hop off" sightseeing bus
Public bus
La Rambla / La Boqueria: 59, 91, V13