Season 24-25: Contrast and Incantation
‘Contrast’ and ‘incantation’ are central concepts of the narrative of this new season. Contrast can be found through the combination of pieces from our habitual set-list, such as Schubert's 'The Great', Mahler's 'Seventh' and 'Ninth' and Brahms' 'Second', together with other pieces that we will be performing for the first time, from composers such as Scriabin, Szymanowski and Schoenberg.
Incantation comes courtesy of ‘Akelarre’ (Witches’ Sabbath), a cathedral piece by Pascual Aldave, who we will be commemorating on the centenary of his birth. This theme also includes Beatriz Arzamendi, with 'Sorginen soinua’ (The Sound of Witches). This will be the first time that the Arrasate born composer will be part of the orchestra’s Season Ticket Holders’ Season, as is the case with Suhar Korua, who will deliver an original concert set, also around the night. Juanjo Mena, an internationally renowned Basque conductor, returns this season and will close this Basque-inspired section.
To make this set possible, the orchestra will once again be joined by a host of outstanding artists, such as Stanislav Kochanovsky, Christoph-Mathias Mueller, Kristiina Poska and Juanjo Mena on the baton; renowned musicians such as Kari Kriikku (clarinet), Denis Kozhukhin (piano), Christoph Sietzen (percussion), Pinchas Zukerman (violin), Baiba Skride (violin) and Daniel Müller Schott (cello); and two great choirs from the region, Orfeón Pamplonés and Suhar Korua.
The orchestra will be making its first recording of a universal composer who influenced the course of music in the 20th century: Richard Strauss.
The Basque National Orchestra continues its commitment to training young people. The pool of music students in their different educational stages will provide a strong contribution this season, and young musicians from EIO, Musikene and EGO will join the ranks of the orchestra at different times during the course of the musical year.
Salzburg is wowed by the Basque National Orchestra's 'Bolero'
Ravel's 'Bolero' was one of the main highlights of the Basque National Orchestra's performance during the Salzburg City Season, and expectations were high, but it was impossible to imagine such an overwhelming response from the audience, which virtually filled the hall for both concerts held in the city so far.
Today brings the orchestra's successful Austrian tour to a close with a third and final concert in Salzburg, which has also sold out.
Salzburg and Linz, a new international goal for the Basque National Orchestra and Robert Trevino
Less than a year since its successful premiere in Poland, the Basque National Orchestra is once again embarking on a major international tour that will take it to Austria from 6 to 9 February.
This new international tour will consist of one concert in Linz and three in Salzburg, with the conductor Robert Trevino and the French harpist Xavier de Maistre, playing as a soloist.
Over 50 activities during the 23-24 Season of the Music Room series
The Basque National Orchestra presents and premières four productions in this new Season of its educational series: “Pantomime”, “Polikinela”, “Misterioa”, and “Elkarrekin sortu”, a technological/musical collaborative show between the audience and musicians starts this week involving 3,500 schoolchildren. This first production will also have its Family Concert this Saturday, 21 October, at 12:00, in Miramon, with tickets already on sale.
The wide range of Concerts for Schoolchildren and Family Concerts in San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz, which together are the main focus of the cycle, will be complemented by three open rehearsals and new musical workshops with Fevas Plena Inclusión Euskadi to continue bringing music closer to those with intellectual disabilities.
The Miramon Matinées are back next Saturday 7 October
The Landarbaso Abesbatza and Euskal Herriko Gazte Abesbatza choirs, a piano recital by the great performer from Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alfonso Gómez, and many chamber ensembles with members of the Basque National Orchestra make up the 16 musical events of the new Miramon Matinées season, for which tickets are on sale.
Cadenza Taldea, comprised of fifteen musicians, will kick off the season next Saturday, 7 October at 11:00, with works by Rorem and Naulais. Tickets are on sale at 11 euros for this event and for all others in the Season.
The Basque National Orchestra renews its official photo
The photography session was carried out by Álex Abril in August at the Jorge Oteiza Pelota Courts in Azkoitia.
The image also means the launch and presentation of the new attire that the orchestra musicians will wear from now on, designed and made by the Basque clothing firm Amarenak.