Stripsody. Cathy Berberian - La Virreina. Centre de la Imatge Barcelona Art Season, Exhibitions
04/17/2025 - 09/28/2025

To mark the centenary of the birth of Cathy Berberian (1925-1983), this exhibition offers an in-depth review of Stripsody, her debut opera as a composer and one of the most innovative vocal creations of the 20th century. Curated by Arnau Horta, the exhibition explores the genesis of this unique piece, which combines music, performance and experimentation with words and language, using onomatopoeia inspired by the iconography and language of comics.

Stripsody was created in collaboration with Umberto Eco, and its avant-garde character marked the beginning of Berberian's para-musical revolution. The artist, known for her vocal versatility, not only performed some of the most important works by composers such as Luciano Berio, John Cage and Sylvano Bussotti, but also profoundly influenced their creation. Her voice was a key instrument for exploring new ways of understanding music, pushing back its aesthetic and conceptual boundaries.

The exhibition also highlights her collaboration with other major figures such as the painter Eugenio Carmi and the illustrator Roberto Zamarin, who played a crucial role in her development.