The culmination of a musical dream
After more than six decades of work and dedication, the Oratory of Sant Felip Neri in Barcelona has seen the completion of the new organ designed by the renowned organist Montserrat Torrent. This monumental instrument, which features 3,481 pipes and 49 stops, has become a symbol not only of musical art but also of cultural resistance against the gentrification threatening the city.
The history of the organ is a chronicle of perseverance. From its conception in 1967, when Torrent partnered with master organ builder Gabriel Blancafort, to its recent completion, the project faced multiple interruptions due to financial issues. However, thanks to the support of the City Council and other institutions, work was resumed in 2020 just in time to celebrate Torrent's centenary.
Albert Blancafort, son of the master organ builder and godson of Torrent, highlights that this organ is exceptional for its size and design. With a façade that includes 16 flutes each five meters long, it is one of the few instruments in Barcelona with such characteristics. “This is an organ designed to perform Iberian and Baroque music,” Blancafort clarifies.
Apart from the musical aspect, the completion of the organ has significant implications for the local community. The Oratory has been a spiritual refuge since 1673 and now aims to become an academic centre dedicated to modern and ancient sacred music. “We want to preserve the spirit of the place against commercial threats,” states Albert Blancafort.
On May 18, coinciding with Montserrat Torrent's hundredth birthday, the official inauguration of the organ will take place. The artist herself will be the one to premiere it, marking a milestone not only personally but also culturally for Barcelona.
As cities face economic pressures that threaten their cultural heritage, initiatives like this highlight the importance of protecting historic spaces like the Oratory. The collaboration between public and private institutions has been key to ensuring that this sound legacy endures.
Following this successful culmination, courses and training cycles related to classical and contemporary music are expected to be developed. Albert Torrens, an active member of the Montserrat Torrent Foundation, emphasizes: “This fundamental step will allow us to continue working towards a future full of educational opportunities.” The community hopes that this new chapter will not only revitalise interest in classical music but also contribute to sustainable cultural development in Barcelona.
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