The Orquesta Sinfónica Catalana seeks residency in L'Hospitalet's new theaters, aiming to enhance the city's cultural landscape and support local talent.
The Orquesta Sinfónica Catalana (OSC) is on a mission to become a resident ensemble at one of the two major theaters set to open in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. This initiative, spearheaded by the orchestra’s founder and director, Enric Gavaldà, aims to decentralize classical music offerings and elevate the city’s cultural profile. “L’Hospitalet is the second-largest city in Catalonia and deserves a stable symphonic formation,” Gavaldà stated.
The project, developed in collaboration with the local government, envisions the OSC establishing its home at either the historic Teatro Joventut, which is undergoing renovations expected to finish by early 2028, or a new auditorium approved for construction last December on Carretera del Mig.
In July, Gavaldà plans to meet with city officials to discuss options, timelines, and collaborative efforts. While both venues are appealing, he noted that residing in the new auditorium would be ideal due to its superior acoustics and larger capacity.
The OSC has primarily performed outside of L’Hospitalet since its inception in 2023. Becoming a resident orchestra would allow it to forge deeper connections with local audiences. “The public here isn’t accustomed to classical music because they have to travel for it,” Gavaldà explained. He believes Barcelona’s overwhelming cultural offerings should be complemented by high-quality events in surrounding areas without competing directly.
If granted residency, the OSC could expand its repertoire beyond classical works to include film scores, ballet pieces, and musicals while continuing its commitment to showcasing Catalan composers like Enric Morera, Eduard Toldrà, and Salvador Brotons. Recently, they performed Brotons’ ‘Obertura Costa Brava’ at L’Auditori de Barcelona.
A permanent symphonic presence would also provide local musicians opportunities for professional development within their community. Many talented individuals currently seek work outside of L’Hospitalet due to limited access to professional orchestras.
Gavaldà emphasized that having a dedicated venue would enhance the orchestra’s identity and stability. Currently operating on a project basis—assembling musicians as needed—the OSC rehearses at various locations throughout the city. They recently prepared Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Alpi’s facilities for a performance alongside Brotons’ work.
The need for stability is pressing; Gavaldà hopes that increasing their annual concerts from fifteen to over fifty will become feasible with a fixed roster of musicians supported by reliable funding and venue availability. Presently, only two orchestras in Catalonia enjoy such conditions: the Orquesta Sinfónica de Barcelona y Nacional de Cataluña (OBC) based at L’Auditori and the Gran Teatre del Liceu Orchestra.
Since its establishment nearly three years ago, OSC has aimed to provide L’Hospitalet with a professional symphony orchestra featuring diverse repertoires that embrace both local and international talent across all experience levels. The ensemble has graced stages like L’Auditori and Teatro Joventut while engaging with schools and social organizations.
This season, they are preparing an intense rendition of Mozart’s ‘Requiem,’ which they plan to perform between November and January across venues including Barcelona, El Prat del Llobregat, and Cornellà. Gavaldà hopes this piece will become an annual tradition for the orchestra.
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