Reaching 100 years is not a milestone within reach of just any entity. The Societat Coral Els Moderns del Poble-sec has achieved it after a century of trajectory linked to music and popular culture of the neighborhood, a history that this 2026 they celebrate with various commemorative activities and with an eye on the future.
“Imagining ourselves reaching 100 years? Well, no, honestly,” admits the entity’s secretary, Andrea Rodríguez. In her case, the connection with Els Moderns is also a family matter. “For me it’s very sentimental, because my mother, my aunt, and my grandfather have been there. I have always wanted to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps,” she explains.
Founded in 1926, the entity has undergone multiple transformations throughout its history. The choirs that marked its beginnings have gradually given way to a musical formation that has adapted to new times. “Before we had choirs and we sang, but we haven’t had that for many years now,” Rodríguez recalls.
The new millennium, a turning point
The most profound change occurred in the early 2000s, when the band began to expand its repertoire. “It no longer played only marches. We started incorporating samba, salsa, pasodobles, or bachata,” she points out. An evolution that continues today. “When new songs come out, we adapt them and play them with the band’s instruments,” she adds.
Currently, Els Moderns has about twenty members between the band and the squad. A number far from the times of maximum splendor, but which keeps the entity’s activity alive. “The youngest is 12 years old and the oldest is over sixty,” explains the secretary, who highlights that “right now there are more young people than old.”
Precisely, generational renewal is one of the entity’s great concerns. “If there are no young people, culture will be lost,” warns Rodríguez. That is why they hope that the centenary celebration will serve to attract new members. “Music helps a lot, it’s really therapy. You don’t have to be professional, just want to learn and commit to the group,” she argues.
The centenary exhibition
The anniversary has also been an opportunity to make the history of the entity known to new generations. With an exhibition at the Albareda Cultural Center and a festive day in the street, Els Moderns wanted to share their legacy with the rest of the neighborhood. “It was very important that this anniversary went out into the street,” says Rodríguez. “We invited friendly entities because it was a day to share with everyone.”
The celebration has also served to recover the memory of an entity that for decades was a key piece of the associative life of Poble-sec. “People have been able to see old photographs, medals and all the evolution that the band has had over the years,” he explains.
Despite the difficulties that many cultural entities face to remain active, Els Moderns face the future with optimism. In fact, the centenary has already had some positive effects. “Now we are at a good point. With the centenary, old members have returned to the choir and we really like that,” celebrates Rodríguez.
