Music Series: Great Performers of the 20th Century at the Caixaforum

This series invites us to discover four unique artists, four musicians who defined an entire era with their exceptional talent and unique personalities.

We'll explore how Maria Callas changed the world of opera with the drama and emotion of her voice, how Yehudi Menuhin 's violin moved and built bridges between different cultures, how Jacqueline du Pré 's passion transformed cello playing, and how Glenn Gould revolutionized the world of the pine tree. This is a great opportunity to learn more about these geniuses and understand why their influence and memory live on to this day.

Series taught by Pere-Andreu Jariod, journalist and music promoter:

Maria Callas, the voice that changed opera

Monday, November 3, 2025.

Maria Callas, an eternal legend: her unique and versatile voice exuded intensity and expression in every performance. The dramatic and emotional depth with which she approached the various roles transformed the way opera was interpreted. She also revived forgotten operas by Bellini and Donizetti.

Today, her versions of Norma, Tosca, La Traviata, and I Puritani remain a benchmark for many opera singers. La Divina 's impact transcends the boundaries of opera: it became a cultural icon and redefined the role of the diva, elevating her to an unprecedented level of celebrity.

Yehudi Menuhin, the committed violinist

Monday, November 10, 2025.

Of the long list of great violinists we've encountered throughout the last century, Yehudi Menuhin is undoubtedly one of the most iconic. Many of his magical performances are still references.

We'll explore some of these recordings and explore Menuhin's relationship with music beyond classical. His curiosity and open-mindedness led him to collaborate with artists such as sitar player Ravi Shankar and jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. He was a sensitive musician, deeply humane, who understood music as a path to peace and harmony between different cultures.

Jacqueline du Pré, an intense life dedicated to the cello

Monday, November 17, 2025.

Jacqueline du Pré is the English cellist who captivated the world with her boundless passion, energy, and extraordinary talent.

In addition to recalling some of her most unforgettable performances, such as Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto, we'll discuss the close relationship she had with her husband, pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim, and how her love of music and life inspired her entire life. A brilliant career ended abruptly when an illness, multiple sclerosis, forced her to retire from the stage. A life cut too short, but one that left an indelible memory.

Glenn Gould, the pianist who defied convention

Monday, November 24, 2025.

Glenn Gould, with his piano recordings, revolutionized the interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach's keyboard music.

Beyond Bach, this Canadian musician's passion extended to other composers such as Byrd, Gibbons, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Schoenberg, Prokofiev, and Strauss. We'll discuss his piano technique, his fascination with technology, and analyze his recordings of Bach's Goldberg Variations, which reshaped our perception of this work. We'll explain why he decided to abandon live performances to focus on recording and uncover some of his eccentricities.

Shall we meet?