March Football Fixtures in Barcelona

March 4th, 2010

The pressure is on! With just 14 games to go, FC Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga has been reduced to a mere two points, and Real Madrid now have a slightly better goal difference. February saw the champions lose their first game in this season’s league campaign, a 2-1 reversal to Atletico Madrid who have begun to hit a bit of form of late. With both Sevilla and Valencia dropping points recently, the race to the title has become a two-horse race, and nerves will be frayed in the Catalan capital. Meanwhile, RCD Espanyol stutter along, and are currently sitting in 15th place, just 7 points above the relegation zone.

Fans have three chances of seeing Barça play in Camp Nou this month. On the 14th they host Valencia, which is usually one of the better games of the season. Valencia are currently sitting in 3rd position and will be battling for a berth in next season’s Champions League. On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, Barcelona will take on VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League. This is the second leg of the tie, which is finely balanced at 1-1, but Barça have the advantage of that always-important away goal, as well as the home advantage. Their final home game this month is on the 24th, when they take on Osasuna.

RCD Espanyol play two home games this month: the first on March 7th against Vila Real, and the second on the 28th when they host Sporting Gijon. Goals have been at a premium for the Pericos this season, they’ve managed only 13 at home and a paltry 5 on the road, so it looks like another nail-biting finish.

The Fundació Antoni Tàpies reopens

March 1st, 2010

The Fundació Antoni Tàpies closed its doors to the public over two years ago, in January of 2008 to carry out an architectural renovation of the building. This renovation, by the firm of architects Ábalos and Sentkiewicz, has adapted the building to the new safety and evacuation regulations, and made it possible to meet the full needs of disabled people.

On 5, 6 and 7 March, the Fundació will be open to the public free of charge, with guided visits and special activities.

Fundació Antoni Tàpies

Fundació Antoni Tàpies

De Cajón Festival de Flamenco 2010

March 1st, 2010

If you have any interest in the Flamenco tradition, then this is the perfect time to visit Barcelona. The Project are currently running their annual De Cajón Festival de Flamenco, and this year they have a fantastic line-up that mixes famous artists in this genre with some of the finest up and coming talents. The concerts are being held at a number of venues across the city, from the world renowned Palau de la Música and El Gran Teatre del Liceu, to the more cozy and intimate surroundings of Luz de Gas and Teatre Joventut. Ticket prices vary depending on the concert and venue, but full details are available at The Project website.

Some of the highlights include performances by María Toledo, Alba Guerrero, Alba Carmona, La Shica, José el Francés, and Augustí Espin, who all take to the stage in Luz de Gas. Jorge Mesa performs his piece “El Pirata” in Apolo [2], while Tomasito play in the larger Sala Apolo. Los Planetas will be bringing their exciting brand of flamenco/rock fusion to the Palau de la Música, which will also host a concert by Antonio Canales and Amador Rojas. The legendary José Mercé plays in El Gran Teatre del Liceu, and Camerón take to the stage in Teatre Joventut.

Cinema in its original language in Barcelona

February 26th, 2010

Visitors to Barcelona hoping to catch the latest blockbusters from Hollywood, or any of the new films from anywhere else in the world, have plenty of options to choose from. Virtually every shopping mall in the city and outskirts will have its own cinema, and there are plenty of high street and neighbourhood cinemas throughout the city. However, the vast majority of these show movies that have been dubbed into Spanish, rather than sub-titled, so if you want to see a movie in its original language you will need to make sure that it is clearly marked V.O., which stands for Version Original. Having said that, there are plenty of good cinemas where movies are shown in their V.O.

Probably the best, or at least the most convenient of these, is the Icaria-Yelmo Complex in the Icaria shopping centre in the Olympic Village (Vila Olympica). This cinema complex has 15 screens, and mixes blockbusters with art-house (more usually shown later in the evening), and also has early showings at the weekend where the tickets have been somewhat reduced. It is also very easy to get to, simply take the L4 or yellow line to Ciutadella Vila Olimpica, and stroll a few blocks down Avinguda d’Icaría where you’ll find the entrance to the shopping mall – the cinema complex is down the escalator.

Just off Las Ramblas, at 5 Carrer Pi, you’ll find Cinema Malda which shows two different movies for one price, usually in English V.O. on a weekly rotation. There are late night sessions on Friday and Saturday, matinees on Saturday and Sunday, and reduced price on Wednesday. The nearest metro is Liceu on the L3 or green line – as you exit walk back up Las Ramblas towards Plaça Catalunya, and turn right on Carrer de la Portaferrissa, and right again on Carrer Pi.

Near the city centre, at 90 Rambla de Catalunya (which runs parallel to Passeig de Gracia), you’ll find The Alexis just two blocks down from the Diagonal metro stop which services the L3, or green, and L5, or blue, lines.

Cinema Casablanca Kaplan is located at 115 Passeig de Gracia, and is a small 2 screen cinema that also has movies in original version. Again, the nearest metro station is Diagonal.

A cinema which tends to specialise in lower budget, and less blockbuster-styled, movies, is the ever-popular Cinema Verdi in the bohemian Gracia neighbourhood. Actually, there are two cinemas here, the smaller Cinema Verdi on Carrer de Verdi, and around the corner you’ll find Verdi Park Cinemas, which has 4 screens – both offer a fine choice in original version movies. The nearest metro station is Fontana, on the L3 green line, as you exit the station turn right, and follow Carrer d’Asturies until it meets Carrer de Verdi.

Cinemes Méliès, located at 102 Carrer Villarroel, always shows its films in their original version. The nearest metro is Urgell on the L1 or red line.

Filmoteca, at 33 Avignuda de Sarria, is run by the local council, and offers a selection of films in their original version, as well as hosting numerous film festivals every year. The nearest metro is Hospital Clínic, on the L5 or blue line.

Cines Renoir, at 12 Eugeni d’Ors, also shows a fine range of films in their original version. The nearest metro stations is Les Corts on the L3 or green line.

Finally, a mention should be made of Microcine Zelig at 51 Ferlandia, near MACBA in the Raval district. Zelig is not really a cinema, more of a café with a projection screen and seats where they show mostly cult classics. Screenings always begin at 9pm, and costs 3€ (this includes a drink). Details are available at www.void-bcn.com

It is worth remembering that V.O. means Version Original, and that the subtitles are usually going to be in Spanish, and occasionally in Catalan. So, a movie like “House of the Flying Daggers”, for example, is going to be confusing if you don’t understand Mandarin or read Spanish!!

Exhibitions in Barcelona

February 3rd, 2010

This week is the last chance to visit the Iguapop Gallery, at Caller Comerç 15 (Just off Passeig de Picasso) to see the exhibition “Post: Colección Kreisler de post graffiti”, which ends on the 6th. The collection features graffiti work by the biggest contemporary names working in this medium: Banksy, David Choe, Cyclops, Faile, Shepard Fairey (Obey), Conor Harrington, Paul Insect, Invader, Anthony Lister, Mau Mau, Anthony Micallef, Adam Neate, Matt Samll, and Judith Supine. It is the first exhibition of its kind in the city, and well worth a look.

Showing until the 14th of this month at the Museu Picasso is an intriguing exhibition entitled “Secret Images: Picasso & Erotic Japanese Prints”. Picasso was an avid collector of erotic Japanese print art, particularly shunga, makura-e, warai-e or higa, and the exhibition displays a combination of Picasso’s own work and pieces from his collection by other artists, both Western and Japanese.

One of the country’s oldest and most prestigious press photography competions is organised by La Caixa every two years. FotoPress is an exhibition running until the 21st of February at the CaixaForum, and features the winning work in the FotoPress’09 competition. There were six recipients of awards for unpublished photography projects, and another three awards for projects completed over the last 2 years, which went to Emilio Morenatti, Walter Astrada, and Alfonso Moral.

Also showing at the CaixaForum is an exhibition entitled “Cambodia: Land of Hope”, an exploration of the country featuring documentary footage by Oriol Gispert, and a photographic project by Gervasio Sanchez, ‘Periodismo Rey de España 2009’. Three key factors affecting life in Cambodia are highlighted: landmines, rice paddies, and the country’s economic growth. This exhibition runs until the 28th of February.

Also finishing up at the end of this month is an exhibition entitled “Culture of Change/Changing Cultures”, a study of cultural and social dynamics from a multidisciplinary perspective, currently showing at Arts Santa Mónica, conveniently located on La Rambla. Modern technologies such as the internet, AI, and the many forms of electronic communication used today, are all explored. A key installation in the exhibition is Juan Manuel Moreno & Raquel Paricio’s “POEtic-cubes”, a collection of nine robots that put bio-inspired characteristics into practice.

Showing at DHUB on Caller Montcada until the 25th of April is an exhibition of fashion photography by Outomuro, covering the years of 1990 to 2010. Two decades of Manuel Outomoro’s photographs, 200 pieces in all, will create a new section in the Textile Museum documenting the world of fashion.

La Liga: February Fixtures in Barcelona

February 1st, 2010

As the month begins, FC Barcelona find themselves still topping the table with 52 points from the 20 games played so far, just 5 points ahead of rivals Real Madrid, and still unbeaten in La Liga so far this season. They have 3 home games in La Liga this month, on the 6th they entertain Getafe, then on the 21st they play Racing Santander, and finally on the 28th they host Malaga.

Meanwhile, RCD Espanyol continue to struggle, and are currently in 14th place in the league with just 23 points, just 6 points clear of the relegation battle. RCD Espanyol play just one home game this month, on the 14th when they host high-flying Deportivo de la Coruña. Before that they must travel to Madrid to take on Real, and afterwards they have away games at Malaga and at bottom of table Xerez - the latter being matches where they must pick up some points if they are to keep a safe distance from the relagation zone.

The Champions League kicks off again this month, with FC Barcelona traveling to Stuttgart on the 23rd in what may well be a tricky tie. With the top three Premier League teams all looking strong in this tournament, visitors won’t want to miss seeing how they fare. United have a difficult trip to the San Siro to meet AC Milan on the 16th, Arsenal travel to FC Porto the following night, and Chelsea will face Inter Milan on the 24th. There are plenty of bars around the city where you can watch these matches in English, which Athome Barcelona Apartments have provided details of on our English & Irish Pubs page.

What’s On In Barcelona - February 2010 Classical

February 1st, 2010

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.

What’s on in Barcelona - February Concerts 2010

February 1st, 2010

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.

Upcoming Concerts in January 2010 in Barcelona

December 30th, 2009

The New Year starts with a bang in Barcelona, with some top artists coming to play at a wide selection of venues across the city. The list includes DMC of Run DMC, The New York Ska Jazz Ensemble, Arizona Baby, Eli Paperboy and the True Loves, HIM, Stryper, Stratovarius, Elliot Murphy, The Leisure Society, Dominique A, Vargas Blues Band, The Dropkick Murphys, Europe, Giant Sand, Billy Talent and No Way Out, Mayumana, the Crank County Daredevils, Melendi, and Band of Skulls.

Following the success of last year’s event, the Matinee Winter Festival returns for party people to celebrate the New Year at Badalona’s Olympic Pavilion on January 1st. The party begins at 01.00 and will feature the talents of Dj´s J.Louis, Taito Tikaro, Andre Vicenzzo and Paco Maroto and the vocals of Vanesa Klein.

For those who prefer their music a little more refined, el Gran Teatre del Liceu offers the chance to enjoy Richard Wagner’s operatic epic Tristan und Isolde, as well as a special concert entitled La gran noche de la música española. There are also performances of La Petita Flauta Màgica, Mozart’s Magic Flute adapted for children, and a recital by Joyce DiDonato.

At La Palau de la Música you can still catch the Strauss Festival Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, as well as concerts by Estrella Morente, Nacho Vegas, Michael Bolton, Manuel Carrasco, Mónica Naranjo, and Love of Lesbian.

At L’Auditori there are performances by the Choir, Ballet, & Orchestra of the Russian Army of St. Petersburg, a show entitled Motown – The Show, recitals by Frank Peter Zimmerman playing works by Bartók, The Love Waltzes of Brahms, and a recital by Diana Navarro.

Football fans have two chances of seeing FC Barcelona playing at home in January. They kick off the second half of the season with a league game against Villareal on the 2nd, before hosting Sevilla in the first leg of the Copa del Rey match on the 5th. Espanyol fans will be able to see the Pericos play on the 10th when they entertain Real Zaragoza, on the 24th when they play high-flying Mallorca, and on the 31st when they host Athletic Bilbao.

Concerts in Barcelona December 2009

December 2nd, 2009

As is usually the case at this time of the year, music lovers have an abundance of choices for live music in the city, with some big names and some less well-known bands all arriving to spread their Xmas cheer.

In something like chronological order, the main bands to play are Mando Diao, Patrick Watson, Enter Shikari, Ismael Serrano, Marilyn Manson, The Prodigy, UFO, Chymera, Shaunna Hall, Franz Ferdinand, Arch Enemy, The Editors + The Maccabees + Wintersleep, Cass McCombs, Deertick, Devandra Banhart,  A Place to Bury Strangers, Health, The Pastels, Scout Niblett, Marillion, Paradise Lost, and Living Colour. For complete listings pop over to BarcelonaRocks.

Classical music lovers are also well catered for, with full programmes at the Palau de la Música, L’Auditori and the Gran Teatre del Liceu.

At the Palau de la Música, the visiting Belarus Philharmonic Society will be performing Mozart’s “Requiem” and “Symphony Number 40″ on the 5th of December, Handel’s “Messiah” on the 6th, Karl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” and Beethoven’s “9th Symphony” on the 7th, and a concert version of Verdi’s “La Traviata” on the 8th. On the 9th the Ensemble Aurora will entertain with an evening of music by J.S. Bach. The Strauss Festival Orchestra will perform on the 19th, 20th, 24th, and 31st. There are also 4 performances by choirs, the Alabama Gospel Choir on the 5th and 27th of December, the Soweto Gospel Choir on the 17th, and the Choir Uganda Natumayini on the 27th. Finally, a mention should be given to Russian Red who play the Palau on the 11th of the month, and the Matthew Herbert Big Band, who will entertain on the 12th. For the complete programme, please visit the Palau de la Música site.

Over at the L’Auditori, there are so many concerts that it would take a day to go through them all. The highlights we’ve selected begin with choral performances: the Angel’s in Harlem Gospel Choir play on the 9th, the Alabama Gospel Choir on the 12th, and the Bridget Bazile Singers on the 23rd. On the 26th and the 29th the Szeged Philharmonic of Hungary present their Gran Gala Strauss, performing a selection of the best waltzes composed by the Strauss family. Keeping the Strauss theme going, the Strauss Festival Orchestra perform their New Year Concert on the 28th of December, and on the 1st of January 2010. For details on these, and many, many more concerts visit the L’Auditori site.

Finally, opera lovers can catch Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” which runs from the 2nd of December until the 30th at El Gran Teatre del Liceu. There will be performances on December 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, and 30. You can book your tickets in advance at Liceu Barcelona. Here’s a little taster of what is in store: