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Directed by maestro Martin Tumbarino, the Gure Abestiak Choir, representative of the Gure Etxea Basque Club in Tandil in the music arena, has had a wonderful year-end.  Over the last few months, they organized the 14^th Choir Gathering, toured the south of Argentina and performed at the club’s anniversary festivities.  For those who haven’t yet heard them, they have one more performance.  Their Christmas concert will be held on December 17^th at Our Lady of Begoña Church in Tandil. 

Tandil, Argentina.   The Basque community in Argentina disseminates the culture of its ancestors in various ways.  One of these is to share typical Basque songs with the community.  In some cases, at home, at club festivities and events, and in others, the choirs, take Euskera and the culture of Euskal Herria in its sung version to concerts and choir gatherings.

This is the case of the Gure Abestiak Choir, at the Gure Etxea Basque Club in Tandil, and evidence of its taste and work in disseminating Basque music are extensive in 2016.  On October 29^th the group was the host of the 14^th Annual Basque Choir Gathering.  The event was very well-received by the public and gathered the Denak Bat Choir, from the club of the same name, in Cañuelas, and the Parents Choir from the Euskal Echea School in the capital.  In the words of its organizers, “the main goal of the event is the presence of Basque choirs, but it is also open to the participation of other groups as well.  The event spreads choral music, showcases the work done all year, and allows directors to meet each other and exchange techniques and music material.”  In addition to the aforementioned, the Vocal Ecos Group also participated this year, directed by Mariela Thesz.

South of Argentina tour

In the month of November, the choir directed by Martin Tumbarino travelled to the mountains to perform at Junin de los Andes and in San Martin de los Andes.  In Junin, they performed on November 26^th at the Bicentennial Room, at an event organized by the Secretary of Culture.  Along with Gure Abestiak, the Hospital Sbarra Choir from La Plata also performed, directed by Marina Buffagni.  Directors participating at the concerts were Juan Ignacio Marti, Martin Tumbarino and Pablo David Sivori, Secretary of Tourism and Culture.

The following day, Sunday the 27th, the group performed in San Martin de los Andes where they shared the stage again with the Hospital Sbarra Choir, as well as with the Rocio Vocal Voces Group from Neuquen, and the local Los Andes Choir. This concert took place at the Church of San Jose.

At each of their performances, the choir performed the following words: Kinkirri Kunkurru, Andre Madalen, Jauna Damu Zait, Maitia Nun Zira, Misa Criolla, Memory and A que florezca mi pueblo, among others.

End of 2016, beginning of 2017

Members of the Gure Etxea choir have done excellent work over the last few months, as representatives of the club in other localities, as well as at their own euskal etxea.  On December 3^rd, the choir sang at the event celebrating the International Day of the Basque Language as well as the club’s anniversary.  But the 2016 program isn’t over.  On December 17^th they will perform their Christmas Concert at the Our Lady of Begoña Church at 8pm.

The choir is also preparing their 2017 calendar and are currently organizing along with the director of Culture in Tandil a date in April to hold the Misa Criolla and Our Christmas at the Fuerte Theater. Zorionak!