A local choir whose members embody different genders, generations and professions decides to rewrite the four movements of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. A Chorypheus-like figure familiar with the rules of the stage assists them with the score and stage movements. They reject instrumentation, only their voices will be used for this experimental score. During rehearsals, the group talk about the tragedies, fears and problems of today’s society. They reach no conclusions. What is the purpose of tragedy? In fact, what they’re trying to understand is Beethoven’s mind and body, the unremitting deafness that isolated him completely from the world, his desire to free humanity from something, perhaps from tragedy.
The composer died just a few years after the success of the 9th, and his dying words were: “Applaud, my friends, the comedy is over.”
The Choir. What is the purpose of tragedy? is a site specific piece that will be developed with choirs from various European cities during 2023 and 2024.
Juan Navarro is a performer and performance creator. He has been part of European cutting-edge theatre since 1990. He has worked with artists such as Rodrigo Gracía, Jan Lawers, Roger Bernat and Enstürzende Neubauten among others. His most recent creations are En lo alto para siempre by David Foster Wallace, El Bosque and Tala by Bernhard.
Jordi Lalanza is a graduate in Orchestra Direction (ESMUC), Composition (Badalona Conservatory) and Musical Language and Theory (Liceo Conservatory). He studied piano with Professor Leonid N. Sintsev in Saint Petersburg and Barcelona.
Manel Barnils is an architect and recently obtained a degree in stage design. He has worked on projects for architectural firms for more than 20 years and is currently combining theatre with music.
