Tarta Relena is a Catalan vocal duo from Barcelona, founded in 2016 by singers Helena Ros Redon and Marta Torrella i Martínez. The two met at school and discovered their vocal compatibility while singing in a choir together. Their approach is radically minimalist: maximum expression with minimum elements – usually just two voices, enriched with subtle electronics such as reverb, distortion and rhythmic pulses.
Their repertoire spans orally transmitted traditions from across the Mediterranean – including songs from Crete, Corsica, Mallorca and Menorca – alongside original compositions. They sing in Catalan, Spanish, Greek, Latin, Ladino and other languages, drawing inspiration from Hildegard von Bingen, Sephardic songs and the chants of Pashto women from Afghanistan.
Their debut album *Ora Pro Nobis* (The Indian Runners, 2019) won the Enderrock Critics' Prize for best folk album of the year. The EP *Intercede Pro Nobis* (2020) was named best national EP of the year by Rockdelux. Their first full-length album *Fiat Lux* deepens the exploration of memory and the cycles of history. In October 2024, *És pregunta* was released, premiering live at the Unsound Festival. Tarta Relena have performed at the CCCB Barcelona, MUTEK Montréal, National Sawdust New York and the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.
How would you describe Tarta Relena's musical style?
The duo combines a cappella vocal music rooted in Mediterranean traditions – from Greek chants to Sephardic songs – with subtle electronics like reverb and rhythmic effects. They jokingly call their style 'progressive Gregorian' or 'folk tronadet' (Catalan for 'ruined folk').
Where does Tarta Relena come from and what are they known for?
Helena Ros and Marta Torrella founded the duo in Barcelona in 2016. They gained international recognition with their debut album Ora Pro Nobis (2019, The Indian Runners), which won the Enderrock Critics' Prize, and through US tours and performances at festivals such as MUTEK Montréal.
In what context does Tarta Relena perform – are they a good fit for Mallorca?
Tarta Relena perform at concert halls and music festivals worldwide. Since they include traditional music from Mallorca and Menorca in their repertoire, they have a particularly meaningful connection to the Balearic Islands.
