Classical music also has its place among the concerts of Barcelona’s La Mercè festival. This Friday, September 25, the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra and National Orchestra of Catalonia (OBC) will once again perform outdoors as part of La Mercè at Plaça Major in Nou Barris, with free admission and a program centered on dance and folk traditions.
The OBC concert has already become a true tradition for Barcelona residents: in previous years, the orchestra has also brought symphonic music to the streets. This event is part of the free concerts at La Mercè and offers the chance to hear one of the city’s leading orchestras outside of L’Auditori, its usual venue.
The program will begin with the Polovtsian Dances from *Prince Igor* by Russian composer Alexander Borodin. He wrote them for an opera that remained unfinished, but these dances continue to be performed separately thanks to their Eastern-inspired melodies and distinctive rhythm, which continue to captivate audiences despite the passage of time.
Next up will be Béla Bartók’s famous Romanian Dances, based on folk melodies from Transylvania that the composer collected in 1915. The finale will feature the highlight of the program: a selection from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, one of the most famous and recognizable works in the history of music, performed under the baton of guest conductor Miguel Sepúlveda.
The performance will take place on Friday, September 25, from 8:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at Plaça Major in Nou Barris. In addition, the square will take on a completely different atmosphere the following day to host a festival featuring DJs, Catalan wines, and tapas. Two very different events in the same space for those looking to enjoy the weekend in the district and, while they’re at it, take advantage of the opportunity to listen to classical music for free in Barcelona.
Other classical music concerts this weekend in Barcelona
If you’re looking to fill out your weekend schedule, the city offers more highlights featuring classical music. On the same stage at Plaça Major in Nou Barris, the Barcelona Municipal Band will take the stage on Saturday, September 26, at 8:45 p.m. with another free concert as part of the La Mercè program.
For those who prefer a different experience by candlelight, Candlelight offers a wide-ranging program of string quartet concerts at the Palau de la Música Catalana, with performances throughout the weekend dedicated to soundtracks and great classics.
The Barcelona Classic Gala will provide the grand finale to the weekend, performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons on Sunday, September 27, at 8:30 p.m. at the Basilica of La Mercè.
