Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Horse Sculptures
Charging forth from the ceiling are
winged horses (by the sculptor Eusebi
Arnau), infusing the concert hall with
movement and verve. Also depicted is a
representation of Wagner's chariot ride
of the Valkyries, led by galloping horses
that leap toward the stage.
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Chamber Music Room
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Busts
A bust of Catalan composer Josep
Anselm Clavé (1824-74) celebrates the
Palau's commitment to Catalan music.
Facing him across the concert hall, a
stern-faced, unruly-haired Beethoven
(above)
represents the hall's classical
and international repertoire.
Designed as a rehearsal space,
the semicircular, accoustically-sound
Chamber Music Room is a smaller
version of the massive concert hall
one floor above. In its centre is an
inlaid foundation stone commemorating
the construction of the Palau.
Lluís Millet
Hall
Named after
Catalan composer
Lluís Millet, this
immaculately
preserved lounge
boasts gorgeous
stained-glass win-
dows. On the main
balcony outside
are rows of
stunning mosaic
pillars
(right)
.
&
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Foyer & Bar
Modernista
architects worked with
ceramic, stone, wood, marble and glass,
all of which Domènech used liberally,
most notably in the opulent foyer and bar.
(
Façade
)
Concert &
Orfeó Català
Perhaps the most
famous choral group
to perform here is the
Orfeó Català, for whom
the concert hall was
originally built. This
90-person chorus
performs regularly and
holds a concert on 26
December every year.
Book in advance.
Dance Series
Over 300 concerts
and dance shows are
staged each year,
and seeing a show
here is an experience
not to be missed.
For traditional Cata-
lan dance and choral
singing, look out for
the
Cobla, Cor, i
Dansa
series (usually
begins February).
The towering façade
(below)
reveals
Modernista
delights on every level. An
elaborate mosaic represents
the Orfeó Català choral
society, founded in 1891.
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For more sights in the Barri Gòtic & La Ribera
See pp70-73
