TWO PIPES, A THOUSAND OPPORTUNITIES
Hair and pipe. These are the two essential elements shared by the txistu and the organ. In terms of size and environment, these two instruments might seem antagonistic, but the three-holed instrument closely linked to folklore and the large contraption that usually occupies the upper galleries of churches have maintained a special relationship in our country over recent decades.
A few months ago, Peio Irigoien, from Irún, and I launched the musical project Bihodi Proiektua, aiming to add our personal touch to a formation that has already yielded rich results and to develop our own repertoire. We met at Musikene, the Higher Music Center of the Basque Country, and from the very first moment, the connection between us was incredibly smooth. Over these months, combining our two instruments, we have worked on different areas: folkloric, artistic of course; didactic, pedagogical, and more.
I’d like to take these lines as an introduction to present one of the many opportunities this project offers. Last January, with the support of Kulturaz, the cultural cooperative of Azpeitia, we recorded a selection of adaptations of traditional Basque melodies and popular songs.
The organ heritage we have in Gipuzkoa is impressive; there probably isn’t anywhere else in the world so small filled with so many magnificent organs. The French Romantic Cavaillé-Coll organs, the old Iberian organ of Ataun, or the large organ of the Buen Pastor Cathedral in Donostia are just some standout examples of this unique collection. This heritage, along with the high standard of the txistu in our region, offers enormous possibilities for both txistularis and organists to prepare musical works written specifically for their instruments.
Since the second half of the 20th century, more and more composers have taken advantage of this combination to write pieces that are as delicate as they are attractive. Among others, the Basque Txistulari Association, the Silboberri association, and other musical organizations have contributed by commissioning works from well-known and also emerging composers. Today, therefore, there are many works waiting to be performed, waiting for someone to take them out of the drawer after their premiere.
With numerous and varied goals, we are currently working little by little to promote and expand our project. In the videos recorded at the Igartza Palace in Beasain, we had the collaboration of the extraordinary singer and friend María Martín. In this collection, we included four traditional melodies adapted by Jesús Guridi and three popular songs by Lete, Lertxundi, and Juan Carlos Pérez, adapted by Xabier Otaolea and Iñar Sastre.
The Bihodi Proiektua was born with the intention of exploring different musical ecosystems, blending tradition and modernity.
BIHODI CONCERTS
March 7, 2025: Performance in Jerez de la Frontera (Andalusia)..
November 11, 2018: Pedagogical concert at the Sutegi Hall in Usurbil, alongside singer María Martín, organized by the Usurbil Music School.
January 27, 2019: Concert at San Esteban Church in Oiartzun, by invitation of the Oiartzungo Organozaleak association.
March 17, 2019: Concert at the Juncal Parish in Irún, organized by the Irún City Council.
March 23, 2019: Concert at the church in Mutriku, organized by the Mutriku City Council.
July 3, 2019: Didactic session at Musikene, the Higher Music Center of the Basque Country, for children attending camps organized by the Kutxa Foundation, alongside singer María Martín.
October 13, 2019: Concert at the Basilica of Loyola as part of the XIX International Romantic Organ Cycle.
December 22, 2019: Concert at the Hondarribia cultural center, with soprano María Martín.
November 22, 2020: Concert as part of the Azaroa Musikatua cycle in Legazpi.
February 21, 2021: Pianoforte and txistu concert organized by the Royal Basque Society of Friends of the Country, streamed from Tabakalera.
July 14, 2021: Concert in the Udako Musika Printzak cycle at the Basazabal Palace in Azpeitia, with accordionist Garazi Navas and singer María Martín, organized by Kulturaz Cooperative and the Azpeitia City Council.
October 25, 2022: Concert at Santa Marina Church in Bergara, part of the XXIII International Romantic Organ Cycle.
December 18, 2022: Concert organized by Zumaia City Council, at San Pedro Church.
December 23, 2022: Concert organized by the Arandoño association at the San Francisco Monastery in Durango.
March 25, 2023: Concert at the Basilica of Loyola within the Gipuzkoako Organoak Plazara cycle, organized by Musikene.
July 1, 2023: Concert at San Nicolás de Bari Church in Orio, part of the VIII International Flysch Organ Festival.
September 22, 2023: Piano and txistu concert at Igartza Palace in Beasain.
October 14, 2023: Concert at the Orgue&nd cycle in Escaldes-Engordany (Andorra).
December 22, 2023: Concert organized by the AMOMA association (Friends of the Merlin Organ of San Nicolás de Algorta) in Algorta.
August 4, 2024: Concert in Luçon (France).
August 22, 2024: Performance in the 34th Organ Cycle of Astorga (Castilla y León).
August 23, 2024: Concert in the 29th Organ Cycle of Torreciudad (Huesca).
September 21, 2024: Concert at the Church of Our Lady of Etxalar.
September 28, 2024: Concert in Varallo (Italy), organized by the Triaca Amici Musicale association.
September 29, 2024: Concert in Lozzolo (Italy), organized by the Triaca Amici Musicale association.
November 3, 2024: Concert in Vilafranca del Penedès (Catalonia).
December 28, 2024: Organ and txistu concert in Berriz, in homage to Valentín Lasuen.
January 3, 2025: Concert organized by the Friends of the Roqués Organ of Lesaka.
