First concert of 'Clàssica a la platja' brings nearly 30,000 people to Barcelona beach 

The first concert of 'Clàssica a la platja', the free program open to everyone, brought together almost 30,000 people to watch the Liceu Orchestra on a Barcelona beach on Wednesday. 

The event was organized by L'Auditori, the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Palau de la Música Catalana under the umbrella of Barcelona Obertura.

This year hosts two concerts on Sant Sebastià beach: the first on Wednesday July 8, and the second Thursday July 9. 

Wednesday's performance featured a concert by the Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, conducted by Josep Pons as part of the 25th anniversary of the Petit Liceu. 

The concert also served as a farewell to Josep Pons as musical director, Wednesday being one of the last occasions to see Pons at the head of the orchestra. 

The evening featured dances by Brahms and Dvořák, excerpts from Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker', as well as works by Borodín, Manuel de Falla, and Ginastera.

The event was fully accessible to all, with specific areas for those with reduced mobility, and an Immersive Live system with vibrating backpacks, induction loops and interpretation for those with hearing disabilities. 

Two large screens were set up so that people farther from the stage could still enjoy the concert. The planning and set up ensured that the sound reached more than 250 meters down the beach. 

Thursday, July 9 will be the second day of the program, with Ludovic Morlot conducting the Barcelona Symphony and National Orchestra of Catalonia (OBC) at 9 p.m.