Hendaye: Gaztelu Zahar celebrates 80 years of Basque songs

The Gaztelu Zahar men's choir, an emblematic figure of Hendaye, celebrates its ^80th anniversary with a show, "Lehen Orain Beti", combining songs, dances and sketches on August 7 in Belcénia

1945-2025: 80 years of singing for the Gaztelu Zahar men's choir. Generations have passed on the tradition of Basque choral singing and, above all, a soul that has endured through the years. For years, each August, the singers have offered a concert to open the Basque festival. This year, for their anniversary, they are offering an exceptional show on August 7 at 9:30 p.m. in Belcénia.

Tickets are already being snapped up because the people of Hendaye have clearly understood that they shouldn't miss it under any circumstances. "We want to showcase the various aspects of choral singing and prepare for the future of this tradition in the Basque Country," announces Xan Berasategui, singer and in charge of the "history" part of the show. Indeed, the aptly named "Lehen Orain Beti" has some wonderful surprises in store, exploring the past, present, and future of Gaztelu Zahar.

Without revealing everything, Xan Beratasegui, Iñaki Dieguez, and Peyo Lizarazu take turns sharing snippets of the program. "We invited the women's and children's vocal group from Urrugne, Bost Axola, as well as the famous mixed choir from Renteria Landarbaso, which is of a very high standard, and includes children, teenagers, and adults. We wanted teenagers to look to the future."

And then, Gaztelu Zahar's voices will be joined by the steps of the 14 dancers from Villabona's Oinkari group. A short video of the rehearsals gives a glimpse of the emotion that the show will arouse, which also promises to be breathtaking. The various song and dance sequences will be interspersed, like a common thread, with sketches that will tell the story of Gaztelu Zahar over the years and drawn from the notebooks of Pepito Alonso, the choir's founder in 1945. A sound and light show will enhance the atmosphere of Lehen Orain Beti.

For months, the 38 singers have been rehearsing tirelessly under the guidance of Iñaki Dieguez, who oversees the entire show, his career giving him the necessary skills. A professional accordionist, the Gaztelu Zahar choirmaster has produced numerous albums and participated in the creation of numerous pieces. His repertoire, combining classical and modern music, attracted the attention of Cirque du Soleil, which contacted him in 2008 to provide musical accompaniment for the tour for three years.

Since then, he has returned to direct Gaztelu Zahar while participating in major musical shows. This experience now allows him to harmonize the August 7 show. The choristers will not only sing a cappella. Iñaki Dieguez will be accompanied by a bassist, a guitarist, and a drummer, all excellent musicians. Finally, René Zugarramurdi has composed a hymn dedicated to Gaztelu Zahar that reflects the spirit of this octogenarian choir, and a video clip directed by Taki Bibelas will circulate on social media to encourage people to attend the show.

Reservations: www.helloasso.com/associations/gaztelu-zahar/evenements/spectacle-80-ans-gaztelu-zahar and at the tourist office for 20 euros. Same-day tickets for 25 euros at the ticket office on the wall on the left.