Barcelona Youth Orchestra to Perform at Papal Prayer in Montjuïc. JOSB will take part in the prayer meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Olympic Stadium. The orchestra's director, Carlos Checa, spoke about preparations and the event's significance for the city.
In Barcelona, the youth Jove Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona (JOSB) is preparing to perform at one of the city's most prominent venues — the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. The orchestra, made up of musicians aged 15 to 26, has been entrusted with accompanying a prayer meeting with Pope Leon XIV. This decision came as an unexpected and emotional milestone for the ensemble: the invitation was received directly from the Archbishop and, according to conductor Carlos Checa, is a recognition of JOSB's high level and the importance of the event for Barcelona.
Founded in 2015, the orchestra has long established itself not only as a musical group but also as an educational project. Here, young performers gain experience playing on major stages and learn to collaborate with the choir, soloists, and audience. For Checa, the conductor’s role is to unite all participants in pursuit of a single musical goal, and preparing for the performance requires maximum focus and discipline. He notes that music can not only adorn ceremonies but also create an atmosphere that helps participants look more deeply at what is happening.
The leitmotif of the Pope's visit is 'beauty and praise.' Checa believes that it is music that can convey this message to everyone present, as it works on the level of emotions and inner response. According to him, the orchestra strives to meet the moment: to provide a solemn sound, support the atmosphere of prayer, and showcase the talent of young musicians.
Ahead of the Pope's visit to Barcelona, changes in city life are already noticeable. For example, the PAU exams took place amid transportation restrictions and enhanced security measures, which were discussed in detail in the article on the start of Selectividad — how the exams went smoothly despite the Pope's visit. This highlights the scale of preparations and the impact of the event on the city's infrastructure.
Carlos Checa notes that for JOSB, participating in such an event is not only a professional challenge but also a chance to become part of Barcelona’s history. He hopes the public will remember the orchestra for its performance quality and emotional presence. According to the conductor, Pope Leo XIV himself is able to convey important messages of peace and love to the audience, and the presence of a youth orchestra gives the meeting special significance.
For reference: The Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium is Barcelona’s largest sports arena and is often used for major events. JOSB is one of the country’s leading youth orchestras, performing regularly at city and national events. Papal visits are traditionally accompanied by heightened security and changes to city logistics, affecting the day-to-day lives of residents and visitors.
