Talking is overrated, Music is what our ears were made for. Since we could, humans have sang and danced to celebrate and communicate and overtime we have developed some sophisticated was to continue this fine artform. What is now known as “classical music” must be one of our species great achievements and Barcelona is keen to see its youth develop their talents as classical musicians, and to share them with the world.

The Conservatori Municipal de Música de Barcelona or “El Conservatori “ is one of the means by which they achieve this. Located in Exiample on the corner of Carrers Bruc and València the El Conservatori is a treat for ears and eyes alike.  The building completed in 1927, was the work of Antoni Falguera i Sivill, one of Barcelona’s many modernist architects. From the outside with its two distinctive towers, it resembles a “fairy tale” castle. The interior is another thing.  So that´s the eyes taken care of, now for the ears.

Most days should you wander by this building, especially by one of the passages that lead to the Mercat de la Concepcio next door, your will catch notes floating out of one or other of their windows. If you want to immerse yourself a room filled with notes and history there are ample opportunities, and quite often these are free.

In March for the last eight years El Conservatori has held a marathon of music. Onze Hores de Música is a fantastic opportunity to see the schools young talent stretch their wings for the first time in front of a public audience. When there this year I wandered the passages of the school and was treated to Opera, solo Piano and woodwind performances. A kind of musical tapas,  it´s an opportunity to taste small bites of music, each performance I saw not lasting more than a few minutes. In this way the audience can move in and out and everyone has a chance to hear the musical fare on offer.

Throughout the year the school arranges free concerts on evenings and/or weekends. Right now it´s spring and the Dijous Concert sessions is happening. A series of concerts every Thursday night from 8, with works by Mozart, Vilaprinyó, Bach and many others. These are free and demand can be high for the seats so if you want to be sure get there early. Concerts Extraordinaris  is running alongside these on some weekends and weeknights.

It must be remembered that these are students honing their skills and so set your appreci-on-meter to take this into consideration. But be sure you will have an ear full of musical gold by the time you leave.

Steve Andoe – "Live from Barcelona"