Every summer, the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis at Sa Calobra becomes one of the most spectacular concert venues in the Mediterranean. Here are five things to know about this year’s concert, on 5 July.
1. Getting there
The road to Sa Calobra (Ma-2141) is famous for its hairpin bends and steep drops, and on concert day it can become badly congested. The easiest option is to take a boat from Port de Sóller. Departures are scheduled at 9.50am, 11.20am, 1pm and 3pm, with return trips after the concert. Arriving by around 5.30pm is advisable to find a good spot. Entry is free.
2. The performers
This year’s line-up combines experience and young talent:
- Capella Mallorquina, the choir that has been part of the concert since its beginnings;
- Orfeó Infantil Balear, a children’s choir appearing for the first time;
- a youth choir, adding an intergenerational element;
- a string quartet playing film arrangements.
3. Who organises it
The concert is organised by the Fundació Sa Nostra with the support of the Consell de Mallorca. This year it forms part of the celebrations for the 15th anniversary of the Serra de Tramuntana’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape in 2011. Gabriel Lladó, president of Sa Nostra, says the concert shows how culture and natural heritage can come together.
4. How it began
The tradition dates back to the 1960s, when the painter Josep Coll Bardolet imagined music resonating between the walls of the Torrent de Pareis. He invited his friend, the composer Joan Maria Thomas, and the Capella Clàssica choir to sing at Sa Calobra. That first, almost spontaneous performance grew into an annual event that draws thousands of people.
5. The programme
This year’s concert is dedicated to film and musical theatre, including:
- “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from Evita;
- “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables;
- music from The Hunchback of Notre Dame;
- “Memory” from Cats;
- “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s;
- selections from The Sound of Music, West Side Story, The Lion King and Les Choristes.
As always, the concert will end with all the performers singing La Balanguera, Mallorca’s anthem, with words by Joan Alcover and music by Amadeu Vives.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, sun protection and something to sit on, and be prepared for a short walk through the tunnels in the rock to reach the gorge.
