PALAU de la MÚSICA

Palau de la Música, Valencia

The thought of our city without the the Palau de la Música would be inconceivable today. In just a few years it has become a symbol of Valencia's future and a landmark of its urban development. The transparency of its glass dome flanked by the ten slender columns of its portico-like double stave seems to pace the smooth rhythm of life's greatest enjoyment. Valencia's cultural forum, the Palau hast become a space open to many artistic initiatives: literary cycles, exhibitions, theatre, dance, flamenco, jazz, etc. For all of this, it is its international cachet in the classical music field that continues to amaze the thousands who come to the auditorium attracted by the prestige of the venue.

The Palau has turned a dream into reality. Inside its walls audiences can experience the magic of an operatic performance with a cast worthy of the world's great stages. Major orchestras have enjoyed its excellent acoustics. Legendary conductors have mounted the podium along with talented newcomers. The world's top soloists have shared applause here with our resident orchestra. The Palau has established itself as the beacon of a new cultured and cosmopolitan Valencia.

Facing a pool, which reflects its elegant profile, the building's clear and spacious image blends in harmoniously with the area surrounding it - the Turia River gardens. The Palau represents the recovery of an underprivileged area, which is now one of the most exclusive in Valencia, as if proof were needed that investing in culture is as profitable as it is necessary.

Designed by José Maria Barcia de Paredes, winner of the National Architecture Award, and creator of other concert halls such as the ones in Madrid, Granada and Cuenca, the Palau de la Música of Valencia was dedicated on April 25th, 1987. Since then, it has become one of the most emblematic buildings in the city. The five hundred thousand people who come here each year attest to the popularity of this concert hall, which is now considered one of the most important music centers in Europe.