New Year’s Concert at the Palau de la Música: A Barcelona Tradition

The Palau de la Música Catalana is undoubtedly one of the most stunning concert halls in the world. We’ve already explored the grand architecture of this masterpiece in detail in a different blog post, but we want to reiterate how much we recommend visiting it. This is truly a Barcelona highlight you won’t want to miss!

There are two fantastic ways to experience the magic of this remarkable building. First, you can take a tour of the Palau and explore its breathtaking interior with an audio guide. Or, for a more immersive experience, you can book a guided tour. Second, you can attend one of the many concerts held here, which allow you to soak in the atmosphere while enjoying incredible performances. The concert hall hosts events nearly every day, mostly classical and instrumental music. But you may also find Flamenco performances accompanied by Spanish guitar.

As we try to see a concert at least once a year we have seen a variety already. And every time we are captured by the Palau’s beauty again.

Tradition of the New Year’s Concert

We attended the New Year’s Concert for the second time, a beloved tradition at Barcelona’s Palau de la Música that has been celebrated for many years. This concert is inspired by a tradition that originally began in Austria.

The New Year’s Concert began during World War II as a way to create a sense of cultural normality in occupied Austria, raise funds for victims, and lift the spirits of the people. After the war, it became a beloved tradition, featuring the festive music of the Strauss family, a symbol of Vienna. Over time, works by other composers, particularly from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, were included. These were known for their vibrant rhythms, colorful timbres, and joyful melodies.

Special seats – sitting alongside the musicians of the orchestra

During the Christmas and New Year season, there are several concerts to enjoy. For us, the perfect way to ring in the new year was with some lively waltzes on January 1st. This time, the experience was truly unforgettable. We were lucky enough to have special seats—right in the heart of the orchestra, giving us an entirely unique perspective. The Palau calls these seats “Butaca 360 Experience: living the emotion of music from the Palau stage, alongside the musicians of the orchestra!” It was truly magnificent.

Michael had no idea where our seats were, so he became quite nervous when we were escorted backstage and told to wait. Carles, our host, then explained that we were sitting right among the orchestra with music instruments under our seats. We were invited to join the musicians during the final piece, the Radetzky March. To my delight, I discovered a triangle under my seat, which I was more than happy to play later on.

When the concert started the lights in the hall went out. However, the stage where we were seated was in the spot light. This was a completely new experience – 2200 pairs of eyes seeing us sitting alongside the musicians.

Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès

The concert was performed by the Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès, conducted by the talented Isabel Rubio. This orchestra holds the distinction of being the only private professional orchestra in Spain with a permanent staff. What sets them apart is that their musicians and management team are both the owners and employees of the organization. The orchestra performs over 100 times a year and has shared the stage with internationally renowned artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Josep Carreras, Barbara Hendricks, Plácido Domingo, Sting, and the Alan Parsons Project, among many others.

Isabel Rubio was brilliant as conductor. As we had seats facing her we could live every vibe of the music with her. Her facial expressions and skilled hands made the orchestra performing at their best. At the end we were lucky to get a photo with her. For us the evening was a once in a lifetime experience!

Program of the New Year’s Concert in the Palau de la Música

Antonín DVOŘÁK: Slavic dance no. 1, op. 46
Léo DELIBES: Coppélia (intermission, waltz)
Johann STRAUSS II: Leichtes Blut, op. 319
Émile WALDTEUFEL: The skaters waltz
Georges BIZET: “Farandole”, from L’Arlesienne Suite núm. 2
Joan MARTORELL: El vals de na Martina
Leroy ANDERSON: Plink, Plank, Plunk!
Johann STRAUSS II: Kaiser-Walzer
Zequinha DE ABREU:  Tico Tico
Josef STRAUSS: Plappermäulchen, op. 245
Johann STRAUSS II: An der schönen blauen Donau op. 314