Oñatiko Ganbara Abesbatza
Oñatiko Ganbara Abesbatza is a mixed voice choral group founded in the 1994, on the initiative of 12 youths from different choirs, with the common goal to deepen the understanding of choral music and enjoy it while taking it to the highest notes of quality. Since then, the group has grown to its current number of thirty-some choir members. The group was founded under the direction of Gorka Cueva, duties that were taken over by Esteban Urzelai (1996-2009) and then by Aitor Biain, who is the current choir director.
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Their repertoire includes all types of works that range from the XVIth century to our current times; they cover polyphony works as well as folk music from various countries, spirituals, gospel... The Basque folklore also forms a major and special component of their programs, as are the works of contemporary composers.
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For nearly two decades, the choir has participated in many and various competitions, being awarded numerous prizes. Main highlights:
May 2017
Third prize in the category of mixed voices and prize for the best interpretation of a French song at the International contest “Florilège Vocal", Tours (France).
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October 2016
First prize in the "XV National Choral Competition Antonio Jose", Burgos (Spain)
August 2015
Second prize in the category of Mixed Voices, second prize in the category of Contemporary Music and Best Director at the International contest "Fondazione Guido d'Arezzo", Arezzo (Italy).
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Abril de 2014
GRAND PRIX in Choir Contest of Ejea de los Caballeros. Ejea de los Caballeros, Zaragoza (Spain).
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July 2013
Third Prize in polyphony and Third Prize in folklore in the International Choir Contest Spittal an Der Drau (Austria).
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April 2013
First Prize in the XLIII Choir Contest of Ejea de los Caballeros. Ejea de los Caballeros, Zaragoza (Spain).
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November 2012
First Prize and Best Performance of the piece of origin in the XXIX International Choir Contest “Villa de Avilés” Asturias (Spain).
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March 2012
First Prize in polyphony, Second Prize in folklore, Grand Prix, Best Performance of a Basque origin piece and Best Director in the III A Capella Contest Berrioplano (Spain).
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July 2011
Second Prize in the XLIV Certamen de la Canción Marinera 'San Vicente de la Barquera' San Vicente de la Barquera (Spain).
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November 2008
First Prize in the XXV International Choral Contest 'Villa de Avilés Asturias (Spain)
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Julio de 2008
National Prize 'Ciudad de Torrevieja' and Second Prize of 'Habaneras' in the LIV International 'Habaneras' and Polyphony Contest Torrevieja (Spain).
November 2006
Fifth Prize in polyphony in the 38 Tolosa International Choral Contest Tolosa (Spain).
April 2006
Fourth Prize and Audience Award in the VIII International Choral Competition in Maribor (Slovenia).
Apart from this, the choir has participated in other festivals and has offered numerous recitals in the Basque Country as well as in other venues.