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With a career that spans two decades, the Basque choir in Cañuelas is a mainstay at the Euskal Etxea when it comes to disseminating the Basque culture in the city and the area.  In spite of its long career, the group maintains their young spirit and are always open to new proposals.  Directed by Maestro Santiago Lopez, the group is now organizing a new gathering of Basque choirs beginning on August 27, at the Denak Bat Basque club facilities. 

Cañuelas, Argentina.  Even if the idea of forming a choir at the Denak Bat Basque club came up in 1995, it was actually 1996 when the choir actually came together and began performing uninterrupted until present.  During these 20 years, they have participated in choir meetings at Semana Vasca, and have organized and invited to Basque choir event, it has performed annually in the traditional Dantzaris gathering at Denak Bat as well as for the club’s Aberri Eguna celebrations.

To celebrate these successful 20 years, choir members gathered on July 2, not only current members but also some that have participated in the group over the years.  Former choir directors also attended.  Besides sharing dinner, the choir also performed for those attending.

Some history

In a conversation with EuskalKultura.com, the current director, Santiago Lopez, told that it was 1995 when a group of Denak Bat members, mainly women, decided to form a choir.  “At this time the municipal choir had disbanded, and there was a hole to fill.  That is why they put out a call to create a new choir and also attract people to the club.

The call was successful and in 1996 the group was all ready to perform.  “At first, we only sang in Basque.  The director at that time was Isabel Etcheguia, who wrote the sheet music by hand, I have seen some of them….And they only sang in one voice.  Over time, and as new directors became involved, the group consolidated and began to incorporate new voices, and new works to the repertoire.  In 2000 they debuted the costumes that they wear at all of their performances.”

Today

The Maestro, Santiago Lopez, took over the direction of the choir in 2006.  The group currently has 20 or so members, and even if they aren’t professionals, they work hard for the sake of improvement; and practice every Friday from 20-22:00 and on Mondays they have technical voice classes with Professor Vanesa Viola.

“In regards to our repertoire, you can say that it is comprised of four parts.  In the first place, and because the priority is to maintain the character of the group, we have songs in Basque.  Later, and for those who don’t speak Basque, we have included some songs that have verses translated into Spanish, and finally, classes from the universal song book.  Even a song by the Beatles that we are practicing,” Lopez told EuskalKultura.com.

After 20 years of non-stop work the idea is to continue with the same effort and energy and so the director has also announced two projects for the coming months.  On August 27, the Basque club will be the site of the new Gathering of Basque Choirs to which all Basque choirs in the area are invited.  In October, the event will be with another city.  In both cases, at conclusion of each, the hosts will provide a “third period” for their guests.

Finally, the director let us know that to become part of the choir, prior experience is not necessary.  All that is required is the desire to sing.  Anyone interested in joining, should go to the Basque club on practice days to see how it works, and become part of the group according to his/her possibilities.

To see video that summarizes the choir’s career, click here