Category: Streaming Available

a recital by Josu Okiñena and Garikoitz Mendizabal…

“Music, I feel, must be emotional first and intellectual second.” – Maurice Ravel 

When we listen to music, it’s a natural instinct to listen to the words and let them paint the story in our minds. Instrumentals are different, and when you bring in a Basque classical pianist and a renowned txistulari into the mix, well, you end up on an emotional journey that tells a story of a culture, sharing the highs and lows of its land, and exudes the power and strength of its people. 

Yes, we’re talking about classical music, Basque composers, and the experience of traveling through time with only the sound of the strings and the images we draw in our minds.

Thanks to Dr. Xabier Irujo and Beñat Olano, you can get your feet wet with Basque classical music and composers here.

the farewell tour…

Chill Mafia is a Basque rap and urban music collective founded in Pamplona during the pandemic. In February 2021, the group quickly rose to the top of the Basque music charts through the viral success of their music video “Gazte Arruntaren Koplak” (“Verses of the everyday youth”), which combined the music of Basque folk legend Xabier Lete with hip-hop, autotune, and lyrics about the struggles of Gen Z youth in Pamplona. Over four years, the group became known for their eclectic mix of genres (trap, reggaeton, folk, reggae, new wave, techno, punk, and even Mexican Ranchera music!) as well as their mischievous lyrics that parodied the excesses of both Basque and Spanish nationalisms. 

To the surprise of fans, the group announced their dissolution and a farewell album in September 2024. Their farewell tour culminated in the “Agure eta Ohore” (“Goodbye and Farewell”) concert, held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Barakaldo on March 28th, 2025. The entire performance is available to watch for free on the Basque streaming platform Primeran. 

For those of you who are not fans of hip-hop, we recommend the Mexican Ranchera sounds of “Mus Corrido”, the powerful reggae anthem “31014”, and the new wave cover of Gontzal Mendibil’s 1988 ballad “Merezi Ote” (“Maybe it Was Worth it”).

a series of podcasts by the Etxepare Basque Institute

“As a Basque-American, I’ve very much enjoyed how accessible the Etxepare Basque Institute has made their recently released podcasts, especially since there’s an English version. There are a variety of topics covering interesting storytellers… and it’s just fun learning about, and from, contemporary Basque creators.“

As described on the Etxepare Basque Institute’s website, “Oier Aranzabal guides us into the homes and workplaces of creators and inspiring individuals connected to the Basque Country… He’ll talk to them about their journeys, experiences, and insights.”

a short film directed and written by Giedrė Žickytė & Maite Alberdi

“Not only is this beautifully filmed, but it magically captures and intertwines both human nature and strong Basque personality traits, making it very easy for the viewer to identify with the main character. I laughed and cried and, because I watched it alone, was left wanting to talk to someone else because there’s so much to unpack from this 25-minute film.”

Josebe, who is living in a nursing home in Chile, is surrounded by Chileans who say she is Spanish, but she continues to stand firm that she is not Spanish but is, in fact, Basque.

CHECK IT OUT:

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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.