The Schubertíada pays a great tribute to the memory of Jordi Roch

BarcelonaThis marks the 34th edition of the Vilabertran Schubertiad, founded by Jordi Roch, one of Catalonia's most important lieder and chamber music festivals and a leading European event. This year's program, running from August 13th to 30th, will be a tribute to its founder. died on December 15 at the age of 94"Continuing the path that Jordi Roch has left us is the best tribute to keep his legacy alive," explains Joaquim Borràs, general director of the Catalan Agency for Cultural Heritage.

The Canons' Church of Santa María de Vilabertran will once again be the main venue for the Schubertiad, which will have a prelude in Vilajuïga on August 13 and in Pals on August 14. The program includes more than fifteen concerts that "will keep alive Roch's legacy and the spirit of connection between artists and audience that he forged over decades," as Sílvia Pujalte, artistic director of the Schubertiad, affirms. "This year, attendance is more important than ever. If we hold a tribute, but you aren't there, the tribute is meaningless," Pujalte adds.

The opening concert will feature Swedish soprano Matilda Sterby, making her Vilabertran debut, accompanied by Swedish pianist Matti Hirvonen. One of the most anticipated recitals will commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Conxita Badia's death and will feature Tarragona-born soprano Mireia Tarragó, making her festival debut after participating in the Lied the Future program in 2023; she will be accompanied by pianist Wolfram Rieger.

Actor Pere Arquillué will take on a unique role in the program as the narrator of the love story that Tyrolean baritone Andrè Schuen and German pianist Daniel Heide will perform. Die schöne Magelone,by Brahms. The final weekend of the festival will bring together other prominent names such as pianist Javier Perianes, baritone Matthias Goerne (always loyal to the festival) with Alexander Schmalcz and the closing concert by the Casals Quartet and soprano Juliane Banse, a great reference point for the Schubertiad.

Lied the Future, now with a European focus

“Roch loved discovering new artists, unknown voices. He often said, ‘I’ve heard a boy who sings like an angel and nobody knows him yet,’” recalls Borràs. From this desire for discovery, Lied the Future was born, a program that fosters the training and careers of young lieder singers and pianists. For the first time, an international open call has been launched, with 146 artists from 31 countries participating. Five selected duos will make their debut at the festival under the mentorship of baritone Olaf Bär and pianist Wolfram Rieger.

Soprano Leonor Martínez and pianist Victoria Guerrero—both from previous editions—will be part of the sextet that will perform the Liebeslieder Walzer by Brahms. Pianist Maximilian Kromer (Lied the Future 2025) will make his solo debut, and Marta Bauzà together with pianist Jesús López Blanco (Lied the Future 2024) will offer a concert dedicated to the Mallorcan composer Miquel Capllonch.