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With its traditional Basque repertoire, the Otxote choir created at the heart of the Argentine Bahia Blanca  Basque club has two clear goals: to accompany club activities, and above all enjoy singing traditional songs from the Euskaldun songbook.  Of course the group won’t miss the opportunity during the Aberri Eguna lunch at the Union Vasca that will take place on April 3. 

Bahia Blanca, Argentina.   Defined as a group of 8 voices, normally men, the Otxotes are typical from the Basque Country, where songs enliven any ambience with popular tavern songs.  The Otxote in Bahia Blanca was created in March 2015, under the direction of Juan Manuel Iriarte and is comprised by Martin Rieti, Alejandro Arroyo, Eduardo López, Hugo Caponi, Gabriel Videgaray, Iñaki Ederra, Javier Ederra, Andoni Irazusta and Juan Manuel Lopetegui, all members of the Union Vasca.

Since its creation, the Otxote practices weekly with a program that is established in function with the club’s activities.  As Juan Manuel Lopetegui told EuskalKultura.com, “In regards to our routine, we prepare our performances in line with club activities, on the basis of celebrations, anniversaries, patriotic celebrations, both Basque and Argentine, that are organized.  That is why our repertoire, that includes pieces like Ikusi Mendizaleak, Guk Euskaraz, Boga Boga, Ixil Ixilik and Hator Hator includes both songs in Basque and Spanish.  The selection is made among us all with songs that we have done forever, as well as some that have been included by the suggestion of members,” Lopetegui said.

Just a year after its creation, the Otxote has already had the possibility of participating in some high level events, thanks to the club’s dantzaris, since in November they put their voices to the show “Gu nosotros” at the performance at the Municipal Theater in Bahia Blanca. In 2016, they already had their first performance on January 29 at the festivities for the 117th anniversary of the club.  Just in a few days, on April 3, the Otxote will participate in the Aberri Eguna lunch.