BASQUE NATIONAL ORCHESTRA SUPPORTS SAN SEBASTIAN BID FOR 2016 EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE

Basque National Orchestra managing director Iñigo Alberdi and San Sebastian mayor Odón Elorza have signed an agreement to add the Orchestra to the official roster of supporters of San Sebastian's bid for the 2016 title of European Capital of Culture. As part of the agreement, the Orchestra will stage a free concert this year for the people of San Sebastian.

The Basque National Orchestra's adhesion to the San Sebastián 2016 candidature is a backed by its ongoing commitment to enriching the cultural life in the Guipuzcoan capital. In addition to having its headquarters in San Sebastian, the BNO also offers four types of concert series: the Subscribers' Season concerts, Matinées at Miramon chamber music series, the Family Concert series and the Concerts for Schools. The Orchestra also works closely with a number of cultural institutions based in San Sebastian, including the classical music festival Quincena Musical, Fundación Kursaal and the Orfeón Donostiarra.

As a result of the agreement signed today, the San Sebastian City Hall and the Basque National Orchestra pledge to work together to raise the candidature's profile and to collaborate on any matters concerning music and culture in promotion of San Sebastián's 2016 bid. As part of the agreement, the Basque National Orchestra has promised to offer a concert this year in support of San Sebastian's candidature for European Capital of Culture in 2016. The concert will be free of charge and open to the entire community. The specific date and venue have yet to be confirmed.