Discovering Basque culture at the Teatro Arriaga

Our students were in for a real treat at last Friday's cultural activity: a trip to see the Euskadiko Orkestra. What better way to get a flavour of Basque life than by hearing some of the most famous Basque songs being played live by a professional orchestra! The orchestra uses instruments specific to the Basque Country, such as the txalaparta, which involves 4 special wooden rods being tapped carefully and precisely along a wooden bench, and the alboka, a hauntingly powerful wind instrument.

The drama of the concert transformed the mood in the theatre minute by minute, from the tenderness of a lullaby, to the grief of a threnody, to the passion of a piece exploring the love for singing. It is hard to put into words the passion in the music resonating around the room. The audience was even invited to join in during some of the more well-known songs. With a thousand voices all joining at once in harmony with the exhilarating music being played, it would be hard not to be moved in that moment.

The Instituto Hemingway offers cultural activities like this one for our students all year round without them having to pay a cent. If you want to get involved in activities like these, alongside enjoying the opportunity to learn Spanish with us, feel free to get in contact with the School!