Because it is 2026

It is impossible to say 2026 and not automatically think of architecture, Antoni Gaudí or Pau Casals, and it is that this is the year in which Barcelona has been named by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects World Capital of Architecture. It is also when the 100th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, the 150th of the birth of Pau Casals or the 700th of the founding of the monastery of Pedralbes in Barcelona are commemorated.The Catalan capital is being the world epicenter of architecture with more than 1,500 planned activities with the aim of reconnecting citizens with this discipline, valuing it and showing the urban diversity of the city. One of the great protagonists of the capital is the architect Antoni Gaudí, and one of the events of the summer will be the world premiere of the choral symphonic work Set Somnis de Gaudí, composed by Olivia Pérez-Collellmir and libretto by Anna Gual. On June 10, coinciding with the day of Gaudí's death, Marin Alsop will conduct more than 200 musicians from the London Philharmonic and three choirs from the Orfeó Català at the Palau de la Música. And the next day, a free concert in Plaça Catalunya in Barcelona with the premiere of 84 Bells of Gaudí. Based on the study by Galdric Santana, director of the Gaudí Chair, the 84 bells will ring – one for each key on the standard piano register –, which Gaudí designed to hang on the 18 towers of the Sagrada Família.2026 is also the Casals Year, to highlight the figure and legacy of the cellist, composer, conductor, and defender of peace. The Pau Casals Foundation, awarded the Creu de Sant Jordi 2026, is promoting this year and in 2027 a broad program of exhibitions, concerts, educational and participatory activities, both national and international. On June 9, the Casals Quartet accompanied by pianist Alexander Melnikov will celebrate Pau Casals Day at the Palau de la Música.The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes is one of the best models of Catalan Gothic architecture, with one of the largest Gothic cloisters in the world and the gateway to a journey through time full of calm and tranquility. With the aim of disseminating its heritage, they have programmed a series of activities, from courses to visits, workshops, conferences, family proposals, and concerts. In addition, from June 3 to September 19, on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., it can be visited for free.