Aveline Kirana
The Fundación Victoria de los Ángeles is set to host the third annual "Concierto por la Paz" on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 8 p.m. local time in Barcelona. This significant cultural and philanthropic event, which has rapidly become a cornerstone in the city’s commitment to global harmony, will feature a distinguished lineup of artists dedicated to raising funds and awareness for humanitarian peacebuilding initiatives. Soprano Adriana González will lend her considerable artistry as the ambassador for the 2026 edition, a role previously held by countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński in 2025. The concert aims to build upon the success of previous years, with a fundraising goal of €70,000 to support the Red Cross’s vital social programs.
A Legacy of Peace Through Music
The "Concierto por la Paz" was inaugurated in 2022, a direct response to the escalating conflict in Ukraine. Recognizing the profound ability of music to transcend borders and foster empathy, the Fundación Victoria de los Ángeles established this annual event as a powerful platform for advocating for peace and human rights. Over its short but impactful history, the concert has demonstrated a tangible commitment to humanitarian causes. In its second edition, the event successfully raised €61,000 for the Red Cross, underscoring the generosity of its audience and the dedication of its participating artists. The sustained commitment from artists who perform without fee highlights the deeply held belief in the concert’s mission.
Esteemed Artists Unite for a Common Cause
This year’s artistic program is poised to be a testament to the unifying power of classical music. Soprano Adriana González, a celebrated artist known for her expressive performances and commitment to social causes, will lead the ensemble as ambassador. She follows in the footsteps of countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński, whose involvement in the 2025 edition brought significant attention to the event.
Joining González on stage will be a constellation of renowned vocalists: Ofelia Sala and Helena Ressurreição, whose performances are consistently met with critical acclaim, and tenor René Barbera and baritone Ashley Riches, both esteemed figures in the opera world. The participation of these artists, performing without remuneration, underscores the profound significance they attribute to the "Concierto por la Paz" and its underlying mission.
The orchestral and choral forces will be provided by the Orquesta Sinfónica Victoria de los Ángeles and the Coro Carmína. Under the expert musical direction of Pedro Pardo and the meticulous choral direction of Daniel Mestre, these ensembles will bring a rich sonic tapestry to the evening’s proceedings.
A Program of Profound Significance
The musical selections for the 2026 "Concierto por la Paz" have been carefully chosen to resonate with themes of peace, hope, and reflection. The program will feature Pablo Casals’ poignant "El cant dels ocells" (The Song of the Birds), a piece deeply associated with Catalan identity and a universal symbol of peace. This will be followed by Mozart’s effervescent "Exsultate, jubilate," a sacred motet that conveys a powerful sense of joy and spiritual exultation.
The evening will culminate with Mozart’s monumental "Requiem," a profound and deeply moving work that explores themes of mortality, divine judgment, and eternal peace. The "Requiem" is particularly fitting for an event dedicated to peace, as it invites contemplation on the fragility of life and the universal human longing for solace and reconciliation. The juxtaposition of these works promises an emotional and intellectually stimulating journey for the audience.
L’Auditori: A Venue for Hope
The prestigious L’Auditori in Barcelona will serve as the venue for this significant event. Known for its exceptional acoustics and its role as a cultural hub, L’Auditori provides an ideal setting for a concert of this caliber. The choice of venue further enhances the event’s stature and accessibility to a broad audience within Barcelona and beyond.
The "Concierto por la Paz" is made possible through the generous support of the Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, whose commitment to fostering cultural initiatives and humanitarian causes is instrumental. The event also benefits directly from the extensive network and impactful humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross, channeling all proceeds towards their peacebuilding programs.
A Collaborative Effort for Global Harmony
The success of the "Concierto por la Paz" is a testament to the power of collaboration. The event is presented in partnership with a consortium of esteemed organizations, each contributing their unique expertise and resources. These collaborators include:
- Fundación Salvat: A philanthropic foundation dedicated to supporting social and cultural initiatives.
- Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC): A leading music conservatory, contributing to the artistic talent pool and educational outreach.
- Barenboim-Said for Music: An initiative fostering musical education and cultural dialogue, particularly among young people in the Mediterranean region.
- Coral Carmína: The esteemed choir that will lend its voice to the performance, known for its high artistic standards.
- Fundación Pau Casals: An organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of the renowned cellist and conductor Pau Casals, a lifelong advocate for peace.
- Grand Hyatt: Providing logistical and hospitality support, ensuring a seamless experience for artists and organizers.
This extensive network of support highlights the broad recognition of the "Concierto por la Paz" as a vital initiative that transcends individual organizations and unites them in a shared vision of a more peaceful world.
Impact and Future Aspirations
The "Concierto por la Paz" is more than just a musical performance; it is a potent symbol of collective action and a tangible contribution to humanitarian efforts. By channeling funds towards the Red Cross’s peacebuilding programs, the event directly impacts communities affected by conflict and instability. These programs often focus on mediation, reconciliation, trauma support, and the promotion of human rights, addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering sustainable peace.
The annual fundraising goal of €70,000 for 2026 signifies an ambition to further expand the reach and impact of these programs. The continued success of the "Concierto por la Paz" will undoubtedly bolster the Red Cross’s capacity to implement critical interventions and provide much-needed assistance to vulnerable populations.
A Tradition of Advocacy
The legacy of Pablo Casals, whose "El cant dels ocells" is featured in this year’s program, is deeply intertwined with the spirit of peace advocacy. Casals, a staunch pacifist and a humanitarian, famously refused to perform in countries that recognized Franco’s regime in Spain. His commitment to peace through his music serves as a profound inspiration for artists and audiences alike. The inclusion of his iconic work in the "Concierto por la Paz" directly links the event to a long and distinguished tradition of artistic activism.
The growth of the "Concierto por la Paz" from its inception in 2022 to its third edition in 2026 reflects a growing global consciousness regarding the imperative for peace and human rights. As the world continues to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, events like these serve as crucial reminders of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to foster understanding, compassion, and lasting peace. The Fundación Victoria de los Ángeles, through its unwavering dedication, continues to orchestrate not just concerts, but also a symphony of hope for a better future.
