Lent concert featuring Orfeó Català commemorates anniversary of laying of cornerstone - Lent concert featuring Orfeó Català commemorates anniversary of laying of cornerstone

The musical programme included a repertoire featuring the spirituality and choral tradition associated with the Temple. Some of the pieces included “Kyrie” from Officium Defunctorum by Tomás Luis de Victoria, La túnica by Lluís Millet for choir and organ, Nigra sum by Pau Casals for women’s choir and organ, Jubilate Deo by Carles Prat, and Ave Virgo Sanctissima and Te Deum by Josep Ollé. The programme also featured poetic and symbolic interludes, such as La veu dels devots and La veu de la pedra, which furthered the dialogue of music, architecture and spirituality.

The staging was by stage director Joan Maria Segura. Over its more than 130-year history, Orfeó Català has been a benchmark in promoting Catalan culture, a commitment that is closely tied to the architect’s cultural and spiritual vision. The concert included a projection of historical images of the laying of the cornerstone as thanks to everyone who has contributed to construction of the Temple over the years. The concert was attended by various authorities, including the Cardinal and Archbishop of Barcelona, Joan Josep Omella i Omella, who closed the event by presenting a gift to the President of the Orfeó Català–Palau de la Música Catalana Foundation, Mr. Joaquim Uriach, as a gesture of gratitude to all the people who made this concert posible.

The event once again highlighted the historical and cultural ties among Orfeó Català, Gaudí and the Basilica. You can find more information at this link.

This year’s Lent concert was part of the events scheduled in 2026 to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death. There will be various events throughout the year. The programming is available on sagradafamilia2026.org.