On 24 July 2026, Josep Pons concluded his tenure as Music Director of the Gran Teatre del Liceu with a performance of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 8. After fourteen years leading the theatre’s resident musical ensembles, the concert brought to a close an artistic project that has profoundly shaped the institution’s recent history.
Often referred to as the “Symphony of a Thousand”, Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 is one of the most monumental works in the symphonic repertoire. Composed between 1906 and 1907, it brings together a large orchestra, multiple choirs and an extensive cast of soloists in a work that celebrates creative spirit, hope and human transcendence. Its artistic and symbolic significance made it a fitting choice to conclude a long-term musical journey.
The performance brought together the Gran Teatre del Liceu Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, several guest choirs and an outstanding international cast of soloists, making possible the interpretation of one of the most ambitious and demanding works ever written.
The concert also marked the culmination of Mahler Universe, the long-term artistic project through which Josep Pons explored the symphonic world of the Austrian composer. Over recent years, the cycle has offered audiences the opportunity to experience Mahler’s symphonies while deepening the orchestra’s engagement with one of the most significant musical legacies in history.
Since becoming Music Director in 2012, Josep Pons has led a profound transformation of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. During these fourteen years, the ensembles expanded their artistic capabilities, strengthened their distinctive musical identity, embraced some of the greatest challenges of the operatic and symphonic repertoire and significantly enhanced their artistic profile.
Throughout this period, Josep Pons conducted major works by Wagner, Strauss, Debussy, Berg, Britten, Shostakovich, Puccini, Verdi, Janáček and Mahler, combining the great operatic tradition with contemporary music and the promotion of Catalan and Spanish musical heritage.
At the conclusion of the performance, the audience paid tribute to Josep Pons with a prolonged ovation, recognising fourteen years of dedication, artistic commitment and continuous work with the musicians of the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
The concert marked the end of one chapter, but not of his relationship with the institution. Following his appointment as Honorary Music Director, Josep Pons will continue to maintain an artistic connection with the Gran Teatre del Liceu, opening a new chapter founded on continuity and mutual recognition.
More than a farewell concert, Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 became the symbolic conclusion of a shared artistic journey spanning fourteen years, involving the musicians, artistic and technical teams, audiences and everyone who contributed to the development of the Gran Teatre del Liceu’s musical project.