The Basque National Orchestra revives Aita Donostia’s 'La vie profonde de Saint François d’Assise' to mark the centenary of its premiere in Paris

The Basque National Orchestra presents its second symphonic programme of the 26/27 season, featuring Aita Donostia’s La vie profonde de Saint François d’Assise as its centrepiece. Its reemergence reunites us with the composer’s theatrical vision, which successfully blended tradition with the musical languages of the Parisian avant-garde of the time.

This new musical project, which enjoys exclusive support from the BBVA Foundation, marks a milestone in the recognition of Basque musical heritage and has involved numerous stakeholders. 

The concerts will take place from 6 to 11 November in San Sebastián, Bilbao, Vitoria and Pamplona, with tickets on sale from 10 euros.

Musika Gela 26/27 by the Basque National Orchestra defends access to culture

The Basque National Orchestra’s educational and social programme continues to underline the importance of bringing symphonic music to children, young people and various communities from a creative, inclusive and participatory perspective. 

This season comprises five in-house productions: some of which have already been staged and established, such as ‘Arriaga bizi da’, ‘Logelan Logale’ and ‘Mozart, Nannerl eta Lagunak’, and others which are now premiering, such as ‘Aniztasuna harmonian’ and ‘Brassstorm’. 

This cycle has over 70 activities in all, including the third edition of the 'Musikazaleak' workshops, in conjunction with FEVAS-Plena Inclusión Euskadi, and Open Rehearsals aimed at groups and educational centres.

Single and season tickets for the Miramon Matinées are now on sale

The Basque National Orchestra's chamber music cycle kicks off on anew 3 October with 16 new musical events. Special guests such as Tcha Limberger, Steven Lin and Kea Vocal Ensemble will join the numerous groups of members of Basque National Orchestra that form the rest of the programme.

The San Sebastián Festival, the Basque National Orchestra and the SGAE Foundation return to the Velodrome with a film and music extravaganza

The Basque National Orchestra, the Orfeón Donostiarra choir, Andoni Martínez Barañano and the conductor Juan José Ocón will make up the team of this latest edition, to take place on Saturday 19 September at 18:00.

‘Verano Azul / Blue Summer’ and ‘La clave’ de Carmelo Bernaola; ‘El cantor de México’ and ‘El amor es como un ramo de violetas’, with tenor Andoni Martínez Barañano rendering the voice of Irun’s Luis Mariano; ‘Winnipeg, the Seed of Hope’ and ‘Sacamantecas / The Harvester’ are some of the chosen works.

Season 26/27

The Symphony Season comprises unique projects such as the revival of Aita Donostia’s ‘La vie profonde de Saint François D’Assise’, a presentation of Bach as a source of inspiration, America as a reflection of folk tradition and rhythmic energy, and Mahler and his monumental musical architecture. 

To enable this symphonic programme, the orchestra will be joined by 9 internationally renowned conductors, 6 instrumental soloists and 3 voice soloists and 4 major local.

Basque culture will be well represented in the programme with compositions by Aita Donostia, Sanjuán, Ozaita, Sorozábal and Guridi, whose ‘Ten Basque Melodies’ will mark the 90th anniversary of the first Basque Government; and also in the performing arts with the voices of Jone Martínez, Luken Munguira, Orfeón Donostiarra, Coro Easo, Easo Gazte and Sociedad Coral de Bilbao

The orchestra will undertake the first symphonic recording of the composer from Vitoria, José María Sanmartín, on the 50th anniversary of his death, and will release the album of the seminal work by Navarran composer Pascual Aldave, ‘Akelarre’.

The Basque National Orchestra will be present for the first time at the International Music and Dance Festival of Granada  in June 2027.

Standing ovations for the Basque National Orchestra at L'Auditori de Barcelona

Following a two and a quarter hour concert, the Basque National Orchestra received standing ovations from its Barcelona audience on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for its concerts paying homage to Ravel, revealing Sorozabal and plunging into the demanding and great Mahler.