Founded in 1996, the Et Incarnatus Orchestra is marking its 30th anniversary this year. After numerous concerts and participation in various musical projects, it will present its traditional solstice concert before the San Juan festivities. The event will take place in the Iraola hollow at 7:30 PM, marking the 27th edition of this performance.
Migel Zeberio, the orchestra's director from Tolosa, has announced that it will be a "new concert," "never performed before." Three artists who have collaborated over the years will be honored: drummer Mitxel Longaron, translator Edorta Matauko, and bagpiper Javier Lakunza. Additionally, bagpipers from Iruñea and Baigorri, orchestras of students from the plains of Agurain, and Xabier Berasaluze Leturia will also participate.
The orchestra will perform a diverse repertoire, including both new and older works. For the first time, melodies from Norway and Sweden will be heard. Zeberio explained that they will also play a "powerful and delicate work, composed 20-25 years ago for two trumpets and orchestra," titled "Egunsentiko eguzki printzak" (The sunbeams of dawn), which coincides with the summer solstice phenomenon. In this piece, a trumpeter and a clarinetist will perform as soloists with the orchestra.
Zeberio acknowledged that the orchestra has reached 30 years "thanks to its loyal audience," highlighting the support from the people of Tolosa as its primary backing. Although most concerts have been held in Tolosa, he noted that Baigorri is the orchestra's "cradle" in terms of institutional support.
The solstice concert is a clear example of public support. According to Zeberio, the event gains greater significance due to its context: "It has more strength solely because of the wonderful group of friends who have enabled us to perform concerts over these 30 years." He added that the orchestra conveys "more than just music," and this is thanks to that collective.
Furthermore, the Et Incarnatus Orchestra organizes the Urtanta initiative every two years. This year, they are collaborating with the Contramapas initiative, now in its third year, held in the Canary Islands, based on Urmuga. Events began at the end of May on the islands of Hierro and La Palma, and will continue in the Bidasoa region from July 17th to 19th.
