Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

Orféon Donostiarra is a renowned classical music choir based in San Sebastian, Spain. The choir was founded in 1897 by a group of music enthusiasts who wanted to promote choral music in the Basque region. Over the years, the choir has grown in size and reputation, becoming one of the most respected choral ensembles in the world. The early years of Orféon Donostiarra were marked by a strong commitment to promoting Basque culture and music. The choir performed traditional Basque songs and dances, as well as classical choral works. In 1900, the choir participated in the first Basque Song Festival, which was held in San Sebastian. This festival became an annual event, and Orféon Donostiarra continued to participate in it for many years. In the 1920s and 1930s, Orféon Donostiarra began to gain international recognition for its performances. The choir performed in major cities throughout Europe, including Paris, London, and Berlin. In 1928, the choir performed at the International Music Festival in Vienna, where it received critical acclaim for its performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. During the Spanish Civil War, Orféon Donostiarra continued to perform, despite the difficult circumstances. The choir performed for soldiers on both sides of the conflict, and its music was seen as a symbol of hope and unity during a time of great division. After the war, Orféon Donostiarra resumed its international touring schedule. The choir performed in the United States for the first time in 1957, and it quickly became a favorite of American audiences. The choir also performed in Latin America, Asia, and Australia, spreading its message of peace and unity through music. One of the highlights of Orféon Donostiarra's career came in 1960, when the choir performed at the inauguration of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The choir's performance of Mozart's Coronation Mass was broadcast on national television, and it received widespread praise for its beauty and precision. Over the years, Orféon Donostiarra has received numerous awards and honors for its contributions to choral music. In 1971, the choir was awarded the Gold Medal of Fine Arts by the Spanish government, in recognition of its cultural achievements. In 1997, the choir celebrated its centenary with a series of concerts and events, including a performance at the Royal Palace in Madrid. Today, Orféon Donostiarra continues to perform and record, under the direction of conductor José Antonio Sainz Alfaro. The choir's repertoire includes a wide range of choral works, from traditional Basque songs to contemporary compositions. Orféon Donostiarra remains a beloved institution in the Basque region and a respected ambassador of Spanish culture around the world.

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