The soundtrack of the Raval neighbourhood: the heartbeat of Barcelona

There is a lot of history in the Raval, and plenty of stories, as many stories as inhabitants, perhaps. If you’re interested in exploring those stories there is an axis, a thread that can help you to fully understand how this part of the city has evolved. And its music, the neighbourhood’s characteristic soundtrack, made up of thousands of influences that are as eclectic as the neighbourhood itself.

Raval cultural is an organisation that can take you on a guided musical tour of the Raval neighbourhood. Raval BSO. El cor musical de Barcelona offers an insight into the musical creativity of the Raval and its role as the confluence and driver for the main musical genres of the 20th century (jazz, flamenco, rock, prog, cúple…), and of the 21st century, since the neighbourhood is home to a diversity of cultures that generate their own styles.

The route followed goes from the sophistication of the Gran Teatre del Liceu to the decadence of the now closed Cal Manquet, a brothel and music café that saw the debut performance of Carmen Amaya. Also on the route are styles like avant-garde jazz and choral singing by modest local choirs, as well as underground music bars and the solemn melodies of ancient monasteries. Also on the route are the workshops of luthiers, radio stations, music schools, records shops, churches and people dancing, among many other surprises.

Raval BSO. El cor musical de Barcelona will depart at 5pm on the 28th and 30th of January, the 19th and 20th of February and the 4th and 12th of March.

Raval BSO. El cor musical de Barcelona'
When: 28 and 30 January; 19 and 20 February; 4 and 12 March
Price: Free
For more information see the Raval cultural website