Classical music performed live returns to the beachfront in concerts that promise to be hard to forget, not only because of the unusual location of the event, but also because of the names of the two great conductors who will be leading two great local orchestras on 11 and 12 July: Ludovic Morlot and Gustavo Dudamel.

Perhaps you are familiar with the experience of previous years, as the proposal to bring classical music to the people of Barcelona and offer them concerts without barriers or ticket offices is a classic of the summer organised by Barcelona Obertura, that is, the joint efforts of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Palau de la Música and L’Auditori.

This year, the union of these venues and the coincidence with the Regata Cultural have led to two concerts featuring great stars of classical music, but also great Barcelona ensembles: The Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, accompanied by the Orfeó Català on the 11th and the Orquestra del Gran Teatre del Liceu, with the Orfeó Català Children’s Choir and the Gran Teatre del Liceu Choir, on the 12th.

Come on the 11th and see Ludovic Morlot, the chief conductor of the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, in action, starring in the first of the concerts with the Orfeó Català, but also with great opera stars ranging from the soprano Serena Sáenz and the baritone Josep Ramon Olivé, both Catalans, to great international figures such as the mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham and the tenor Freddie de Tommaso, as well as the actor and singer Arnau Tordera. Hymns related to the world of sport, such as John Williams‘ Olympic Fanfare, and compositions such as L.V. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, the aria Nessum dorma from Puccini’s Turandot, Carl Orff’s O’Fortuna and the mythical song Barcelona, which Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé sang together during the 1992 Cultural Olympiad, will be played in the first concert.

Come to the beach next morning and you’ll have Gustavo Dudamel waiting for you with his baton in his hand. He is one of the most prestigious conductors on the planet, so seeing him perform in front of the public in such an open manner is a great opportunity that you shouldn’t miss. The repertoire includes a trio of the best works by soundtrack composer John Williams, and the presence as soloists of violinist María Dueñas and cellist Pablo Fernández. Get ready to feel the music of films ranging from Superman, Jurassic Park and E. T. to Star Wars and Harry Potter, among others.

In addition to the concerts, remember that, for those who can’t go to the beach, the Cor Petits and Cor Mitjans of the Orfeó Català will be giving performances and workshops in homes for the elderly in the neighbourhood. In addition, the Chamber Choir of the Palau de la Música Catalana will give a free performance at the Hospital del Mar.

If you want to experience the Cultural Regata intensely, come and experience the concerts on offer on Sant Sebastià beach on 11 and 12 July. But first, check the website for all the information.