Leonard Slatkin & Franz Schubert Filharmonia
Barcelona, Palau de la Música Catalana — Concert Hall
About the Event
In this eagerly‐awaited concert, experience the harmonious sounds of classical music by Franz Schubert and Joseph Haydn at Barcelona's cherished and globally acclaimed Palau de la Música Catalana.
A Legendary Maestro
We’re thrilled to be among the orchestras selected by the renowned conductor Leonard Slatkin as he commemorates his 80th birthday. The concert will commence with Haydn’s brilliant Symphony No. 94, “Surprise”, a piece brimming with wit and vitality.
Maestro Slatkin is also delighted to conduct our orchestra in Schubert’s monumental Symphony No. 9, “Great”, and of course, nothing could make us happier. This promises to be an unforgettable concert, under the guidance of an unparalleled conductor.
Program
- Joseph Haydn – Symphony No. 94 G major Hob I:94, 'Surprise'
- Franz Schubert – Symphony No. 9 in C major, D. 944, 'Great'
Artists
| Conductor, Countertenor: | Leonard Slatkin |
|---|---|
| Orchestra: | Franz Schubert Filharmonia |
Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Musica Catalana, located in the northern part of Barcelona's Old Town, is a captivating structure that embodies the Catalan Art Nouveau style. Constructed between 1905 and 1908, it showcases the craftsmanship of local artisans through its stained-glass windows, ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and ironwork. The liberal use of glass throughout the venue results in interiors that are breathtakingly luminous. The Palau's dusty red facade is adorned with busts of famous composers like Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner, as well as vibrant mosaics featuring floral designs. At the heart of the Palau is the spectacular concert hall, which is illuminated entirely by natural sunlight thanks to an extraordinary skylight set within its elaborately decorated ceiling. This space is particularly beloved for symphonic and chamber music performances. Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the visionary architect behind the Palau, aimed to create a “garden for music” — a vision he successfully brought to life.
Franz Schubert
Throughout his brief life, Franz Schubert, a seminal figure in musical romanticism, was largely an uncelebrated genius, never gaining public recognition during his lifetime. His compositions were cherished only by close family and friends, with most being published posthumously. Born on March 31, 1797, in Vienna’s suburbs, Schubert received musical instruction from his father and eldest brother, both amateur musicians. At 11, he sang in the Lichtenthal parish choir, later auditioning for Antonio Salieri, who admitted him to the emperor’s choir. It was during this time that young Franz began composing his original works. When his voice changed, Schubert left the choir and started teaching at his father’s parish school in 1814. His passion for composing never waned, and four years later, he abandoned teaching to focus exclusively on music, despite falling out with his father and facing financial hardships. In 1818, Schubert moved to Vienna and met Vogl, with whom he held private concerts in aristocratic circles, particularly showcasing his approximately 600 Lieder. Schubert’s sole large-scale public concert occurred in March 1828 and was met with great enthusiasm. Sadly, later that year, his health declined, and he passed away from thyroid fever in November, at just 31.
Address
Palau de la Música Catalana, c/ Palau de la Música, 4‐6, Barcelona, Spain — Google Maps
