The People in Red Barcelona Solidarity Gala goes international in its 15th edition with performances by Rufus Wainwright and Rigoberta Bandini

The Fight Infections Foundation held today, Thursday, January 23, at the Barcelona City Council, the presentation of the 15th edition of the People in Red Barcelona Solidarity Gala, which brought together prominent personalities.

The press conference took place in the Hall of Chronicles at the Barcelona City Council and was attended by the city’s mayor, the Hon. Mr. Jaume Collboni, who welcomed all attendees to the event, as well as Dr. Bonaventura Clotet, president of the Fight Infections Foundation and director of IrsiCaixa; Rufus Wainwright, Canadian-American singer and composer; Rigoberta Bandini, singer, composer, and writer; Silvia Abril, actress; Martina Klein, model and actress; Nandu Jubany, Michelin-starred chef; Carlus Padrissa, artistic director of La Fura dels Baus, and Toni Seguí, space designer.

New Features of the 15th Edition of the People in Red Barcelona Solidarity Gala

This year, the People in Red Barcelona reaches its 15th edition with a very special achievement: the internationalization of the most important Solidarity Gala in the country to raise funds for scientific research, particularly for infectious diseases. This year, the event will take place on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the emblematic National Art Museum of Catalonia.

This year, as a novelty, the Solidarity Gala has institutional support from the Barcelona City Council, which led to the addition of the word Barcelona to its name, now known as the People in Red Barcelona Solidarity Gala. This new synergy highlights the commitment between the event and the city and helps position it as an international reference.

Press Conference People In Red Barcelona 2025

The People in Red Barcelona reintroduces the figure of ambassadors in this 15th edition of the event, represented by model Martina Klein and former tennis player Alex Corretja. Klein and Corretja, a well-known media couple since 2010 who have attended the Solidarity Gala since its inception, are now taking a further step in their commitment to scientific research, representing the cause of the Fight Infections Foundation to make it more global, visible, and contribute to increased fundraising.

«It is a great honor for me to be an ambassador for the People in Red Barcelona Solidarity Gala, especially in this edition marking its 15th anniversary and internationalization. I have always admired the work of the Fight Infections Foundation, and this year I could take a further step in my commitment to this necessary cause. This gala is an example of how solidarity and culture can come together to create a real positive impact, and I am delighted to be part of this project that seeks to save lives and improve the future of many people», explained model and actress Martina Klein.

In addition, La Fura dels Baus, the internationally renowned theater company directed by Carlus Padrissa, will return for the second consecutive year to offer an innovative performance during the aperitif on the iconic panoramic terrace of the MNAC.

The evening will be hosted by Andreu Buenafuente and Silvia Abril, who haven’t hosted this event together since 2022. Under the script of El Terrat (The Mediapro Studio), they will deliver an all-encompassing show inside the MNAC’s Oval Hall.

Andreu Buenafuente y Sílvia Abril – Press Conference People In Red Barcelona 2025

This entire spectacle will be accompanied by an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Renowned Catalan chef Nandu Jubany, along with the Jubany Events team, will once again provide a Michelin-starred dinner.

The after-party will be enlivened by DJ Fede Sardà and feature signature cocktails by the award-winning Manel Vehí from Boia Nit in Cadaqués.

Musical Performances

In 2025, the Solidarity Gala takes on an international dimension as, for the first time in history, it will feature the participation of an artist coming specifically from the United States for a unique performance: Rufus Wainwright, who will play his greatest hits on the piano.

Rufus Wainwright, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist of Canadian-American origin, is renowned for his unique style that blends baroque pop, opera, and folk. In addition to his career as a singer-songwriter, Wainwright has successfully explored other artistic genres: he has composed operas such as Prima Donna, collaborated with renowned symphony orchestras, and created film soundtracks. His ability to reinvent classics was exemplified in his celebrated version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. He is also known for his LGBTQ+ activism and for using his art as a platform to promote equality.

«It is an honor to be part of the People in Red Barcelona Solidarity Gala. This is my first time collaborating with such a significant cause in Barcelona, and I am deeply inspired by the dedication of the Fight Infections Foundation. I firmly believe in the importance of scientific research to combat infectious diseases, and it is a privilege to contribute my music to support this mission. I hope this gala will be memorable and that it not only celebrates solidarity but also reminds us of the power we have to change the world when we join forces» highlighted singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright.

Rufus Wainwright – Press Conference People In Red Barcelona 2025

The show will also feature a groundbreaking performance by one of today’s most acclaimed national artists: Rigoberta Bandini.

The singer, songwriter, and writer, who gained popularity with musical anthems such as Ay, Mamá and Perra, has established herself as one of the most recognized artists on the music scene. She is known for her social critique and advocacy for feminism through lyrics that celebrate freedom and everyday life. She also stands out for her authentic style, which combines elements of electronic pop and literary influences.

The Ongoing Fight Against Infectious Diseases

The Solidarity Gala maintains its objective: raising funds for the scientific research of the Foundation for the Fight Infections Foundation and IrsiCaixa. The Foundation emphasizes the importance of advancing clinical research on infectious diseases, which today still account for one in three deaths worldwid.

Infections are one of the challenges of present and future science, as they have marked human history and, unfortunately, will continue to do so in the future. Infectious diseases will always coexist with us and continuously mutate, which is why it is essential to promote scientific research with a global impact to control them when they arise. Some of the main challenges that need to be addressed include the emergence of new pandemics, globalization, antibiotic resistance, climate change, or natural disasters, among many others. All these phenomena favor the appearance of infections, which we can only overcome with more excellent research.

The People in Red Barcelona Solidarity Gala and all the people, companies, and organizations supporting it are essential to raising what is known as seed money. This seed money is the tool that allows for the initiation and development of innovative and pioneering research projects that position the Fight Infections Foundation as an international scientific reference.

The event will also bring together celebrities and influencers who will contribute to making the Solidarity Gala a major media impact event and an opportunity for companies to increase brand visibility.

Who Makes People in Red Barcelona Possible

Many people and companies collaborate with the People in Red Barcelona Solidarity Gala to promote cutting-edge research in the field of infectious diseases. CUPRA, MAC, Eurofirms, Fundació La Caixa, Grifols, Osborne Clarke, Petronieves and Mesoestetic are some of the companies that make this solidarity event possible.