Conductor Rafael Payare will conduct music by Richard Strauss as well as the premiere of a work by Péter ‎Eötvös.

Over the weekend of 15, 16 and 17 February, the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra will perform a benefit concert for refugees. The initiative, which is promoted by L’Auditori with the collaboration of the NGO Open Arms and the organisation Casa Nostra, Casa Vostra, is part of the OBC’s social commitment. The price of tickets purchased at the REFUGI rate will be donated to Open Arms.

The serious situation in the Mediterranean and the vulnerability of refugees are the focus of this collaboration, which comes at a particularly critical time with humanitarian rescue boats in the Mediterranean having their operations curtailed and exactly two years after the mass rally under the slogan “We want to take them in” took place; the largest gathering with this plea ever held in Europe.

The concerts coincide with the nationwide premiere of composer Péter Eötvös’ work Alle vittime senza nome, a symphonic lamentation for the death of so many refugees in the Mediterranean. This poignant work, intrinsically linked to current events, offers a glimmer of hope in the face of this terrible situation. Music by Richard Strauss will complete the programme, which will be conducted by Venezuelan maestro Rafael Payare.