In 2024, we remember two prestigious directors and composers, father and son, who endured the consequences of the regrettable historical events of the first half of the 20th century, yet remain key figures in the Catalan music scene. We speak of Joan Lamote de Grignon, commemorating the 75th anniversary of his death, and Ricard Lamote de Grignon, celebrating the 125th anniversary of his birth.

Joan Lamote de Grignon was born in Barcelona, the son of a father of French descent and a Catalan mother. Inclined towards music from a young age, he studied in Barcelona, where he established himself and soon became a key figure. He was part of the faculty of the Conservatorio del Liceo and later became its director; he founded the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra, conducted the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, which performed "La Nit de Nadal!", and was the director of the Municipal Band of Barcelona during a glorious period for the ensemble.

His son Ricard followed in his footsteps and was part of the Group of Eight (independent composers of Catalonia) alongside Eduard Toldrà, Manuel Blancafort, Robert Gerhard, Frederic Mompou, Baltasar Samper, Agustí Grau, and Joan Gibert Camins. He composed songs, chamber music, band music, and also for cobla ensembles.

After the Spanish Civil War, both father and son moved to Valencia and suffered the consequences of their opposition to Franco's regime.