February Concerts

Classical

Classical music lovers have a wealth of opportunities to get out and enjoy some great performances this month, the highlight of which is probably El Gran Teatre del Liceu’s staging of Wagner’s epic opera “Tristan und Isolde“. Performances are on the 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 16th, 18th, and 20th. For those not wholly familiar with this great work, an information session about the opera will be held in the Foyer 45 minutes before each performance, which is open to all members of the audience. All the details can be found at www.liceubarcelona.cat

The Palau de la Música Catalana also has a busy schedule of concerts, classical and other, including the rather intriguing country night which will see cinema legend Kevin Costner perform with his band Wild West. Other non-classical performers at the Palau this month include Joss Stone, and a concert by Michael Nyman & David McAlmond. In the classical series, the highlights are visits by the Bulgarian State Symphony Orchestra, and a performance by the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic.

Meanwhile, at L’Auditori, another month means another very busy schedule. The Bamburg Symphony Orchestra, Czech Opera of Prague (performing Wagner), Tchaikovsky Violin Concerts, Stravinsky conducted by López Cobos, Camerata Moravia, Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra, and a performance by Pat Metheny, are just some of the delights to be enjoyed

Nonclassical

February may be the shortest month, but there’s plenty to see and do crammed into its 28 days this year. Not as many huge headline acts as last month, but there’s plenty of variety, and there should be something for everyone to enjoy over the coming weeks in Barcelona.

In no particular order, the month’s highlights will include visits by Arctic Monkeys, The Gathering, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel & The Flames Band, Dinosaur Jr. with Lou Barlow, Gamma Ray, Eros Ramazotti, The Swell Season (Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, who won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2007 for the film “Once” which they also starred in), Josh Ritter, the Barcelona Jazz Orchestra, Sunn O))), Backyard Babies, Mesh, Richard Hawley, Talib Kweli featuring Hi-Tek, Biffy Clyro, Hatebreed, The Fiery Furnaces, Jedi Mind Tricks, The Penguins, Fatal Error + Invasions, and Payo Malo + The Gangsters of Love.

I’d like to give a mention to the Reggae for Life Haiti Appeal that will be held in Sala Apolo on Saturday the 13th of this month. The variety of performers offering their services has been phenomenal, and the line-up includes Morodo, Hermano L, Ras Kuto, Utan Bassum, Top Cat, Benjammin’, Novato & Mad Muasel, Prince Osito, Aniki, Green Valley, Hector Banton, and others, with the sounds provided by the inimitable Ranking Soldiers & the Nyahbingi Sound System. It should be a wonderful night, great vibes, great tunes, and a great crowd; so if you like your reggae, dub, dancehall, etc. get yourself over there.

Thanks again to Tony from At-Home Barcelona apartments for the info. Make sure you use them for your short or long term rentals!

Of all the groups mentioned above, if I had to choose, a reunited Dinosaur Jr would be the one to go to. Maybe Lou Barlow will play some Sebadoh. Here are some videos. Enjoy