Barcelona's Gothic Quarter recently celebrated the inauguration of the Montserrat Torrent organ at the Sant Felip Neri church. Mayor Jaume Collboni and Catalan President Salvador Illa attended the ceremony, marking the completion of a project decades in the making.
Organist Montserrat Torrent, accompanied by other prominent musicians, performed several pieces on the new instrument. Workers completed the organ's construction last month. They installed the final 10 facade pipes, which produce the deepest sounds. Mayor Collboni thanked the organist for her dedication, stating, "She has been the architect of this organ and it is right and necessary that it bears her name."
A Decades-Long Musical Vision
He added, "It is a source of pride for our city to have one of the most important figures in organ music in Catalonia and Spain." This organ project has been a personal mission for Montserrat Torrent since 1967, experiencing several interruptions over the years. The inauguration was the central event of the "Montserrat Torrent Year," which commemorates the centenary of her birth.
This year-long celebration solidifies her reputation as Spain's most distinguished organist of the 20th century. She is also one of the world's oldest active professional performers. The centenary calendar includes over 50 concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. These events aim to promote Torrent's musical legacy and foster knowledge and performance of organ music in Barcelona.
Promoting Organ Music in Barcelona
The Sant Felip Neri church, located in the historic Gothic Quarter, is a significant cultural landmark for residents and tourists alike. The ongoing "Montserrat Torrent Year" will continue to offer various cultural activities across Barcelona, ensuring her contributions to music are widely recognised and celebrated. This initiative also aims to inspire a new generation of organ enthusiasts in the city.
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Originally published by Barcelona City Council Press Room. Read original article.
