About this activity
Editor's Note
I’ve spent the better part of two decades watching the travel industry turn "authentic experiences" into high-margin assembly lines, and honestly, the holiday season is usually the worst offender. Most Christmas tours are just over-priced bait for high occupancy rates, but every so often, a lead comes across my desk that actually justifies the hype. This concert at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy is one of them. While most of the industry is busy upselling mediocre buffet dinners, the Barcelona Gala Orchestra is actually leaning into the acoustics of a space that wasn't built for a "tourist product" but for transcendence. It’s a refreshing break from the usual corporate-driven holiday noise. If you're tired of the same old Las Ramblas tourist traps, this is where you actually go to feel something. Sometimes, the classics are classics for a reason, even if the industry tries its best to commodify them.
About the Tour
Step inside the breathtaking Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy, located just a stone's throw from the bustling La Rambla, for an evening that transcends the typical holiday sightseeing. This one-hour concert is a curated journey through the most iconic compositions in history, performed by the acclaimed Barcelona Gala Orchestra.
Whether you are a seasoned aficionado or a curious traveler, the performance offers a range of seating options to fit your budget while ensuring an intimate atmosphere. The combination of a powerful soprano, a masterful violin solo, and the sacred architecture of the Basilica creates a sensory experience that defines the festive spirit of Barcelona.
Concert Program
The standard repertoire features a "greatest hits" of the Baroque and Classical eras:
- A. Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Spring and Summer)
- J. Pachelbel: Canon and Gigue in D major
- W. A. Mozart: Requiem (Lacrimosa) & Divertimento in D major
- J. S. Bach: Air on the G String
- F. Schubert: Ave Maria
- L. van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 (Allegro)
- G. F. Handel: Ombra mai fu from Xerxes
- M. Ravel: Bolero
Special Christmas Program (December)
During the month of December, the program shifts to include timeless seasonal favorites that capture the heart of the holidays:
- A. Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Spring, Summer, and the haunting Winter)
- Holiday Classics: Adeste Fideles, O Holy Night, and Silent Night (Noche de Paz)
- Core Masterpieces: Including Bach’s Air on the G String and Ravel’s Bolero.
Featured Performers
- Orchestra: Barcelona Gala Orchestra
- Violin Soloist: Alba Compte Rojas
- Soprano: Ariadna Clapés Capdevila
Pro Tip: Because this venue is a functioning Basilica just off the main tourist drag, the acoustics are incredible but seats fill up fast. Booking your lead time in advance is highly recommended to secure the best sightlines.
Highlights
- Experience a classical music concert performed by the Barcelona Gala Orchestra
- Listen to classical masters like A. Vivaldi, W.A. Mozart, J.S. Bach, and more
- Enjoy iconic pieces such as The Four Seasons, Requiem, and Ave Maria
- Get lost in the music while in a unique baroque landmark in heart of Barcelona
- Delight your ears with stylings of a solo violinist and a solo soprano
Know before you go
- Doors open: 15 minutes early
- Late entrance is allowed: In between compositions, not to disturb the performance.