Music tour in Barcelona: Part 1, The Gran Teatre del Liceu

Posted by Barcelona Guide Bureau in What to do in barcelona on 02 10th, 2009 | one response

In the old quarter we have 2 spectacular buildings devoted to the world of music, the Palau de la Musica Catalana (Modernista concert hall) and the Gran Teatre del Liceu (Opera House). Come and see the settings Montserrat Caballé and Josep Carreras have sung in so often, discover their beauty and the role they have played in the history of Catalonia. Remember, you do not need to waste time queuing if you go with a licensed guide.

Gran Teatre del Liceu (Opera House): opened in 1847, it has suffered two fires and a bomb attack perpetrated by the Anarchist Movement in 1893 during an opera.
The first fire was in 1861 and the second in 1994, caused by sparks made by workmen soldering a set on the stage.

The reconstructed Liceu was reopened in the autumn of 1999 with the opera Turandot. The façade and entrance of the old theatre have been conserved as well as one of the largest and most beautifully decorated salons, the Saló dels Miralls (Mirror Room) Of particular interest are the concert hall, the stage, the foyer and the Saló dels Miralls.

The Liceu has not only been a stage for famous opera singers but also the home of generations of world famous Catalan opera singers:

Montserrat Caballé, She made her debut at the Liceu on 7 January, 1962, in the role of Arabella in the opera by Richard Strauss. She has sung in more than 47 operas at the Liceu.

Josep Carreras, started his career at the Liceu in 1970 with the operas Nabucco and Lucrecia Borgia. His repertoire includes over 60 operas.

Jaume Aragall, one of the greatest tenors in the world, he first sang in the Liceu in 1961. During the 1964-65 season he played the role of Rodolfo in La Boheme.

Victoria dels Àngels, made her debut in 1944 in the role of the Comtessa in the Nozze de Figaro. She became the diva of the Metropolitan in New York during the decade of the ‘50s.

Interesting places close to Gran Teatre del Liceu

The House of Beethoven: > Founded in 1880, in the early 1900s it was taken over by a Catalan composer, Sr Jorda, who had lived much of his life in Mexico. His contacts with musical circles in America and Europe allowed him to import a wide range of books, teaching material, albums, and sheet music from around the world. Over 100 years dedicated to music.

House of Parramon: > Luthiers since 1897 they have an interesting store/workshop of traditional luthiers specialized in repairing instruments and bows.

The Opera Café: > Historical café in front of the opera house, open until the early hours of the morning, a popular place after dinner or the opera. It was renovated and restored recently, one of its main features being the mirrors engraved with female roles from operas: Aida, Butterfly, Traviata, Tosca, Isolda.

Enjoy with us a music day in Barcelona!

Share and Enjoy: