SUHAR Korua, under the direction of Esteban Urzelai, will travel to China to participate in the China International Chorus Festival (Beijing) and the Quindao Choral Festival.
SUHAR Korua, the latest winner of the Tolosa Choral Competition, embarks on a tour of China in July 2024, bringing the beauty and richness of Basque choral music to a new audience. The tour, which will run from 13 to 21 July, will include performances at two prestigious international festivals: China International Chorus Festival (Beijing) and Quindao Choral Festival. This tour has the collaboration of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, as main sponsor, Etxepare Institutua and Ingeteam.
The musical director, Esteban Urzelai, stressed that ‘one of the main objectives of the Suhar choir is to disseminate Basque choral music and culture throughout the world. To achieve this, two conditions have had to be guaranteed beforehand: on the one hand, to offer this music at the highest level of quality and, on the other, to internationalise the name of the choir. This is what we have been working on in recent years, and now we are beginning to sing internationally. We consider it important to make our music known internationally, both our traditional music and the music of today's composers’.
From 14 to 19 July, SUHAR Korua will have the honour of participating in the prestigious China International Chorus Festival. During its stay in the Chinese capital, the choir will not only participate in this event, but will also take part in various concerts and workshops, including the outstanding opening concert.
Urzelai will give a unique masterclass on low voice choral work at the China International Chorus Festival. In this masterclass, Urzelai will share his experience and knowledge of the specific rehearsal techniques he uses to achieve the sound that characterises the SUHAR choir. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how balance, pitch and voice colour are usually worked out in low voice choirs.
Using two Basque songs specially composed for the choir as a basis, Urzelai will guide participants through a series of practical exercises and techniques that will help them to improve their own conducting skills and get the most out of their choirs.
Then, from 19 to 21 July, SUHAR Korua will travel to the city of Quindao to take part in the Quindao Choral Festival. In addition to performing at the opening ceremony, the choir will give a special concert on 20 July as part of the festival's official programme.
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