"Music is the deepest voice of the human soul; you just have to know how to listen to it."
Josep Pons
Pons has led the Liceu Symphony Orchestra with a style that combines technical precision, expressive depth, and an intelligent approach to the meaning of each work. His legacy at the Liceu includes iconic productions that have captivated both the audience and the critics. Memorable interpretations of The Ring, Parsifal, or Tristan und Isolde, by Wagner, stand out, where Pons skillfully explored orchestral textures.
One of his greatest achievements has been his commitment to innovation and the inclusion of 20th and contemporary composers, opening the doors of the Liceu to new musical languages and a renewed vision of the traditional repertoire. This combination of tradition and modernity reflects his desire to bring opera closer to a 21st-century audience without losing the essence of what makes this art a universal experience. Notable works include The Turn of the Screw, by Britten; D.Q. Don Quijote in Barcelona, by Turina; Gaudí, by Guinjoan; Lessons in Love and Violence, by Benjamin; Wozzeck, by Berg; and Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, by Shostakovich, among others. The unforgettable productions of The Invisible City of Kitezh, by Rimsky-Korsakov; Elektra, by Strauss; and War Requiem, by Britten, must also be mentioned.
Under his direction, Josep Pons has become a true ambassador of artistic excellence and has consolidated the Liceu as a cultural reference space, where music transforms into a transformative and timeless experience.
It has been 14 years of an exceptional journey. Let’s graphically revisit this adventure. Thank you, Josep!
Josep Pons
Josep Pons (1957, Puig-reig) is a Catalan conductor and composer, one of the most prominent figures in the classical music world in Spain. His career has spanned a wide range of musical genres, from orchestral music to opera, with a particular fondness for contemporary music.
Pons studied at the Conservatori del Liceu and completed his training abroad at institutions like the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna. His professional career began gaining notoriety in the 1980s when he started conducting various national and international orchestras. He has served as principal conductor of some of the most important orchestras in Catalonia, such as the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya (OBC), where he worked for a significant part of his career.
In addition to his work as a conductor, Pons has also been a strong advocate for contemporary music, premiering works by contemporary composers and promoting the creation of new pieces. His commitment to 20th- and 21st-century music led him to interpret works by figures such as John Adams, György Ligeti, and other world-renowned composers.
Through his work, Pons has stood out for his ability to convey great emotional intensity in his performances, and he has been recognized by critics for his technical skill and musical depth. He has conducted at prestigious international venues, such as the Gran Teatre del Liceu and other renowned opera houses, and has collaborated with some of Europe's most prestigious orchestras.
His career has also been marked by a dedication to musical education and his work as a mentor for new talent, consolidating his position as one of the most influential figures in the Catalan and international music scene.