At the end of the 19th century, the Frenchman Gabriel Fauré composed one of the most popular requiems in the history of music. Yes, it is a mass for the dead, but apocalyptic visions are absent from this work, while in contrast, there is a sweet, luminous aspect of Paradise which seems to want to keep the fear of death away. This Requiem is conducted by Simon Halsey, the artistic director of the Orfeó Català choirs and an artistic adviser to the Palau de la Música Catalana. There are solo performances by Maria Pujades (soprano) and Ferran Albrich (baritone), in addition to the members of the choir. Another notable performer is the organist Juan de la Rubia, who is not only responsible for playing the organ version of the composition, but will also show the audience his talent for improvisation. The singers will perform a singular staging of this piece, thanks to the choreographer and stage director Marina Mascarell, a leading figure in European dance, with an extensive international career. She will ensure that the singers direct and lead the audience with their voices, but also with their bodies, through a little-known space in the Hospital de Sant Pau that, as part of the Domenech i Montaner year, becomes a stage. The audience and the artists will therefore set out on an exciting path in which the proximity of the singers, the text, the sound and the venue immerse the participants in an almost ritual experience, a performance that aims to dissolve the boundaries between audience and performers.
In addition to the soloists, the protagonists are the Orfeó Català (an outstanding symphonic choir that was created by Lluís Millet and Amadeu Vives in 1891, in order to perform the Catalan and universal choral repertoire with the utmost artistic excellence) and Marina Mascarell. Mascarell is a creator who lives between Spain and the Netherlands. In addition to her independent work, she also creates for theatres and companies, including the Nederlands Dans Theater in the Hague, the Göteborg Opera, the Skanes Dansteater in Malmö, the Dance Forum Taipei and the Lyon Opera Ballet, to mention only a few. In her art, reflections and concepts become a poetic combat where thought is turned into corporeality and movement.
This show has an immersive nature, so the audience is asked not to attend with backpacks, helmets, large bags or other bulky items.
A co-production by the Barcelona Grec 2020 Festival and the Orfeó Català.
Please, notice that there is no seats available in this show.
Barcelona Crea grant.
In cooperation Netherlands Embassy (Spain).
Music director: Simon Halsey. Stage director: Marina Mascarell. Soloists: Maria Pujades, Ferran Albrich. Singers: Orfeó Català. Organ: Juan de la Rubia. Dramaturgy: Riikka Laakso. Lighting design: Raimon Rius.
