“Oysters, but it’s the Dharma!” exclaimed a spectator sitting on one of the benches in the meeting room of the Municipality of Girona while the others greeted the entrance of the musicians, accompanying the rhythm they established with their hands. all one surprise and of the good ones that fell this Saturday evening in the meeting room.
After having organized recitals in emblematic stages of the city such as the Arab Baths or the mikvé of the call, the Concerts in Cegues they walked through the big house for the first time, which changed the tension for a while politics for music with a surprise effect, because the public buys the ticket without knowing who they will see. The first weekend of the sixth edition of the festival began yesterday with the Dharma Electric Company in the plenary hall of the Town Hall and The Nest at Cooking Girona and today at noon with Alidé Senza in the chapel of San Giacomo, in Pedret.
People who do selfies sitting on the councilors’ chairs, the whispers between the desks and the sympathetic nerves ofexpectation experienced in the minutes preceding the recital gave way to an hour of music in small committee with a legendary band, with more than half a century of history behind it and such a different proposition of any of the many labels that have been given to him.
“What, did you like the surprise?” he asked Giovanni Fortuny to the forty assistants when the mystery was revealed. The answer was obviously yes, with spectators clapping and singing songs like Against the rifle, A smile or Roller coaster.
In an environment more accustomed to hearing violin playing than wind instruments, they played too Poly -“it is only a thousand years old, because it comes from the Red Book of Montserrat”, recalled the formation-; THE Muixeranga of Algemesí, in homage to the Valencian people o Cataloniain memory of the late Josep Fortuny.
It’s up to you
The band, lately accustomed to the crazythanked the format which, in addition to the impact, is premium la proximity with the public “We missed him, after so many electric filigrees”, they said as they said goodbye.
At the Blind Concerts of electrical watermarksthey are certainly very few: in addition to surprising, these are entirely acoustic shows, without stages or audio equipment.
And the formula works, because the most ambitious edition, with more dates and spaces than ever, nineteen performances In eleven locations like the Masonic House, the House of Arts or the Cinema Museum, it was set in motion by rubbing the floor, with a 90% of the seats are sold out.
Because in most cases there is quota sessionsat the end of the first the audience has only one task: to maintain silence. Many of those who came yesterday past seven for the wine square they guarded, at least for a while, the best kept secret of the Municipality of Girona.
Time.news Interview: Exploring the Magic of Surprise Concerts in Girona
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re thrilled to have Giovanni Fortuny, the mastermind behind the “Concerts in Cegues” festival in Girona, with us. Giovanni, thank you for joining us!
Giovanni Fortuny (GF): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
E: Let’s dive right in! The recent concert at the Municipality of Girona featured the legendary Dharma Electric Company, and it was a surprise for the attendees. What was the inspiration behind this surprise format?
GF: The idea of surprise concerts came from a desire to create a unique experience for our audience. In a world where we often know everything in advance—like setlists and artist lineups—we wanted to bring back a sense of spontaneity. It’s about making music accessible in an unexpected way.
E: That certainly resonates with many music lovers! How did the attendees react when they found out the mystery performer was Dharma Electric Company?
GF: The reaction was electric. Just moments before the concert, the room was thick with anticipation. When we finally revealed the band, the applause and cheers were overwhelming. It’s moments like those that remind us of the power of music to bring people together, even in a politics-dominated space like a city hall.
E: It seems like the setting itself added to the experience. How did the concert in response to the venue’s traditional atmosphere impact the performance?
GF: Absolutely! The plenary hall is usually a serious environment, filled with the tension of political discussions. To transform it into a concert space, with the audience taking selfies in councilors’ chairs, was a unique contrast. It creates an intimate setting where the music feels more personal and immediate, which is something we really cherish at our festival.
E: How do you select the surprise artists for your concerts? Is it purely spontaneous, or is there a method to the mystery?
GF: A bit of both! We think about artists who have a history of captivating performances and groundbreaking music. The goal is to surprise our audience with something they might not expect, while still staying true to the spirit of the festival. Each artist brings a rich history, just like Dharma Electric Company, which has been around for over half a century.
E: What would you say is the essence of the “Concerts in Cegues” festival that keeps audiences coming back?
GF: The essence lies in the experience of discovery. It goes beyond just listening to music; it’s about being part of a community, sharing moments of joy, and encountering artists we might not have explored otherwise. That connection—between the artists, the audience, and the venue—is what keeps people coming back year after year.
E: With more concerts planned, what can attendees expect from the upcoming performances, particularly with the incredible lineup like Alidé Senza?
GF: Expect the unexpected! Alidé Senza will bring her unique sound to the small chapel of San Giacomo, creating an enchanting atmosphere that complements her music. We’re committed to continuing this tradition of surprises and showcasing diverse musical styles that challenge the norm.
E: It sounds like an exciting time for the festival! Lastly, what advice would you give to someone who may be hesitant to embrace this surprise concert experience?
GF: I would say, take a leap of faith! Trust that there will be something magical in store for you. Leave your expectations at the door and allow yourself to be surprised by the unknown. You might discover a new favorite artist or have a moment that stays with you forever.
E: Wonderful advice, Giovanni! Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today.
GF: Thank you for having me! I hope to see you at one of our future concerts!