Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, or OBC, is Barcelona's world-renowned symphony orchestra that has thrilled audiences for 50 years. Currently amidst its 2009-2010 season, called "Europeans in America: Catalans in America," the OBC is presenting the creative work of current and past generations of composers who lived abroad in North America while they wrote their masterpieces, including Hindemith, Martinu, Schönberg, Waxman, Korngold, Balada, Suriñach, and Benejam. It is also approaching much more familiar works this season, including offerings by the legends Shostakovich, Beethoven, Haydn, Mahler, Stravinsky, Mussgorski, Nielsen, Prokofiev, and Bruckner.
OBC is a touring entity, though appearances in North America are rare and haven't happened in over seven years. The orchestra of choice for the most prominent Catalan composers, the OBC has released several recorded CDs. But it's undeniable the best place to hear it is right in its birthplace of Barcelona. Your stay at the W Barcelona puts you right near the center of this formidable classical music action, making an evening at the OBC a great choice to consider when planning a vacation in Spain. What orchestras have wowed you the most along your travels?
