- The new artistic lighting of the skylight becomes a new element of the stage design thanks to LED technology, which allows the intensity and colour to be adjusted, giving the skylight greater versatility and scenic possibilities.
- The facility has been designed following criteria of sustainability, efficiency and environmental responsibility. This lighting project joins the other over 80 projects of the Endesa Foundation across Catalonia, 23 of them in Barcelona.
- Joaquim Uriach, President of Fundació Orfeó Català-Palau de la Música, and Joan Oller, Managing Director of the institution, hosted an event that was also attended by representatives of the administration, such as Natalia Garriga, Councillor for Culture of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, and Albert Battle, Councillor of Ciutat Vella of the Barcelona City Council. On behalf of Endesa, the Chairman of Endesa and its Foundation, Juan Sánchez-Calero, the CEO of the company, José Bogas, as well as the Managing Director of the Endesa Foundation, María Malaxechevarría, and the Director of Endesa in Catalonia, Enric Brazís, participated.
Without a doubt, one of the Palau de la Música Catalana's flagship elements is its skylight, a dome of coloured glass that dominates ceiling of the Concert Hall. Yesterday, 25 January, before the start of the concert by Polish counter tenor Jakub Józef Orliński, the new lighting system dazzled the audience with the demonstration of the technological renovation project, which was made possible thanks to the Endesa Foundation.
The new installation introduces versatility to the skylight, with more scenic possibilities and, at the same time, high energy efficiency. Sixteen variable-colour LED projectors were installed, which provide an indirect omnidirectional light, which can be adjusted in terms of brightness and colour. The effect successfully simulates the blend of natural light during the night, boosting artistic creation inside this space. Therefore, the skylight will provide specific lighting during concerts and shows, adapted to each type event.
The power of the new lamps can be reduced by up to 1.60 kW. This represents a 33% decrease in the use of energy when compared to the previous lighting system. With this action, a saving of 2,496 kilowatt-hours/year is achieved, thus avoiding the annual emission of 469.24 kg of CO2 into the atmosphere.
During the opening ceremony, Juan Sánchez-Calero, Chairman of Endesa and the Endesa Foundation, stressed that "we have a firm and determined commitment to the promotion of culture and art, which we understand as a fundamental part of the full development of our society". He added that "the Foundation recently celebrated 25 years of work to promote culture and the preservation and enhancement of national heritage, among other projects, with our monument lighting projects across the country. In total, we have carried out no less than 700 lighting projects, many of them in monuments and emblematic buildings in the city of Barcelona"
Moreover, José Bogas, Chief Executive Officer of Endesa, stated that "the Concert Hall's skylight is possibly the most emblematic and iconic element". We are incredibly honoured and proud of having the opportunity to illuminate and help highlight its impressive features". Finally, he stressed that "this new lighting has been designed following the values of sustainability, efficiency and environmental responsibility, as it could not be otherwise, values that are all part of Endesa's DNA and commitment, which we consider fundamental on our path towards the energy transition and a sustainable future."
Joaquim Uriach, president of the Orfeó Català-Palau de la Música Catalana Foundation, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the institution. "Collaborating with the Endesa Foundation and Endesa allows us to keep this wonderful and unique space alive, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site", he added.
The close relationship between the Endesa Foundation and the Palau de la Música
More than two decades ago, Endesa Foundation and the Palau de la Música worked hand in hand to illuminate the Plaza del Palau de la Música, the current main entrance to the venue.
Endesa, in its commitment to the territory and culture, has also supported the Palau de la Música Catalana for 10 years as a patron. In recent years, the collaboration has focused on promoting the Palau Digital, the online platform that offers concerts and content related to its cultural activity for free.
25 years illuminating art
The Palau de la Música Catalana's skylight lighting project joins another over 700 projects carried out by the Endesa Foundation across Spain over the past 25 years. Of these illuminations, 82 are in Catalonia and 23 of them in Barcelona. Highlights include the Star on the Tower of the Virgin Mary in the Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Castle of Montjuic, Park Güell, the Basilica of Our Lady of Montserrat, the Convalescence House at the Old Hospital of Santa Cruz and Saint Paul, or the National Art Museum of Catalonia, among others.
To learn more about these and other lighting project, you can visit the Endesa Foundation website, which has a specific section, where you can take an interactive tour and browse its 25 flagship lighting projects, which will be joined by new projects soon, so that users can learn about them in greater detail.
About Fundación Endesa
The Endesa Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary. A quarter of a century of social work that allows us to look to the future with the challenge of continuing to progress, with a broad and conscious look at human beings and the rest of the species that surround us to build a world in which there is room for everyone.
To this end, the Endesa Foundation contributes to social development through education, job training, culture, volunteering and biodiversity projects so that there is a future in which we can all live together and in balance.