Category: Streaming Available

the Basque National Orchestra

“I vividly remember listening to a classically-trained musician play traditional Basque music on a piano as a kid – it was an experience that changed me forever. I longed to experience that again here in the U.S., so discovering the Basque National Orchestra online was nothing short of an amazing, beautiful gift.” – the reviewer, BEO Board Member

The Basque National Orchestra (BNO) was founded in 1982 as a nationwide orchestra committed to educating about symphony music from all periods, emphasizing the creation and expansion of Basque music. The orchestra plays over 100 concerts every season. It performs in the Euskalduna Concert Hall in Bilbao, the Kursaal Auditorium in San Sebastián, the Principal Theatre in Vitoria, and the Baluarte Auditorium in Pamplona. Their current Chief Conductor is Mexican-American Robert Treviño.

The BNO generously offers an abundance of experiences for those of us who aren’t able to enjoy their work in person. Included in their online library are collaborations with other musicians such as Huntza, Kalakan, or Izaro… or the exploration of a Basque composer’s identity such as Ravel, or a piece that incorporates the txistu such as Gutizia, or the incredible blend with Kepa Junkera.

Whatever your jam is, explore what Euskadiko Orkestra offers on their website and YouTube channel, press play, pump up the volume, close your eyes, and enjoy.

a short documentary

“As we launch into our 20th Anniversary of hosting the Basque Film Series, I thought it would make sense to learn a bit more about the history of Basque filmmaking. This isn’t just about what Basque culture is and means to its people, it’s about how the history of filmmaking has been impacted by the complicated history it has survived.” – the reviewer, BEO Board Member

“Basque Heritage Cinema” is an approximately 35-minute short documentary that walks the viewer through the cinematic journeys that articulate, as best as they can, the Basque region’s identity and politics. Director Rob Stone demonstrates not only the direct reflection of how the act of Basque filmmaking was impacted by its environment but also how the Basque culture was later expressed, whether by a single perspective of history or by romanticizing it. Either way, this film challenges one to carefully watch how Basque people are reflected in films and to really think about whether “being Basque” has been, or could be, truly reflected in motion pictures.

a Basque music group

“I searched for Basque songs online and stumbled on ‘Akelarretan.’ I played it a few times, and soon enough, it was stuck in my head. Now we love to play it, dance, and try to sing along though we don’t know Basque; it’s a simple, feel-good song that makes me feel happy. I’ve started listening to their other songs and have found them equally enjoyable.”  -BEO Board Member

ZETAK is a Basque music group formed in 2019. Known for their electronic music with Basque lyrics, today you can find ZETAK’s music with millions of streams on Spotify. The group members include Pello Reparaz on vocals (previously part of the ska group Vendetta), Leire Colomo on percussion, Gorka Pastor on keyboard and synth, and Iban Larrreboure on drums.

ZETAK’s latest album was composed and released in 2020, called Zeinen Ederra Izango Den. This fun music video to one of their songs, Akelarretan, shows good times with friends and family during uncertain times in 2020. 

ZETAK performs next on July 21, 2023, at the 58th San Sebastian Jazz Festival, 58 Jazzaldia.

by the Basque National Orchestra

By most standards, the Basque National Orchestra is a young symphony since it was formed in 1982. Their music catalogue is vast and rich, but what is a fun and luscious experience is traveling through their Basque Music Collection, a 15-volume discography that reflects Basque musicians and composers of international fame.

While the pandemic may have been the inspiration for the Brucknerian-inspired version of “Agur Jaunak” (click here to listen), Euskadiko Orkestra is the gift that keeps on giving, particularly for those of us who are not able to experience their work in person.

We encourage you to follow their YouTube channel, but also many of their recordings can be found on other digital formats such as iTunes and Amazon Music. In the meantime, to get your feet wet, we dare you to go to their website, pick an album, press PLAY, close your eyes, and take part in all the beautiful journeys so many Basque composers have created for us to enjoy. Happy listening!

a Netflix series

Looking for a weekend television binge? Curled up on the couch with a glass of red wine in hand and wondering what to watch? Well, Intimidad (Intimacy) is our BEOpick for that. Starring celebrated Basque actress Itziar Ituño (of Money Heist fame), Intimacy follows the story of Malen Zubiri, vice-mayor of Bilbao, as she navigates the male-dominated world of politics. Sex, intrigue, betrayal, scandal – Intimacy has it all. Yet, at the core, this BEOpick is a window into modern Basque urban life, highlighting the barriers that women everywhere face when standing against oppression.

The eight episodes of Intimacy are currently streaming on Netflix.

Begoña Echeverria, author (The Hammer of Witches), playwright (“Picasso Presents Gernika”), and singer-songwriter, has released a song and music video named “Bonbarazi Du Gernika” in honor of the 85th anniversary of the bombing of Gernika on this day, April 26th.

Why we love this

The song is poignant and important, and the video is beautiful. Not only that, but her perspective below has given us an even deeper, richer appreciation for this performance. You’re not fluent in Basque? No problem –  Begoña provides English translation towards the end of the video.

This multiple-award winning film is a beautiful story that begins with Ane, a married woman in her early forties, who begins receiving a bouquet of flowers every single week from an anonymous admirer; however, when this individual comes to light, the flowers come to symbolize every human connection through the intertwining of unexpected relationships. The film is in Basque with English subtitles and available for rent on Amazon Prime. Click here for the movie’s direct website.

Set in the mid-60’s, this is a story of a young Basque man, Manex, who was raised during Franco’s rule when being Basque was dangerous. Manex’s reality sets the stage for how he reacts to his new experiences while he goes from one politically-charged situation to another all across the world.

This movie can be found on Netflix.