OGA

Oñatiko Ganbara Abesbatza is a mixed voice choral group founded in the 1994, on the initiative of 12 youths from different choirs, with the common goal to deepen the understanding of choral music and enjoy it while taking it to the highest notes of quality. Since then, the group has grown to its current number of thirty-some choir members. It was founded under the direction of Gorka Cueva, and since 1996, Esteban Urzelai conducts the group.

Their repertoire includes all types of works, that range from the XVIth century to our current times, they cover polyphony works as well as folk music from various countries, spirituals, gospel... The Basque folklore also forms a major and special component of their programs, as are the works of contemporary composers.

In recent years, the choir has participated in many and various competitions, being awarded numerous prizes. It should be noted that they received I PREMI FIRACOR, in Cocentaina (Alicante, Spain) in November 2004, to which only the winners of the last three editions of the above mentioned competition were entitled to entry , as well as having won GRAN PREMIO Nacional de Canto Coral (National Grand Prize of Choral Singing) in Rojales, in December of the same year.

Apart from this, the choir has participated in other festivals and has offered numerous recitals in the Basque Country as well as in other venues.

In December 2004, Oñatiko Ganbara Abesbatza, while celebrating its 10th Anniversary, launched its first CD, 'SAGATZ'. In this, their initial recorded effort, one can appreciate and listen to this young group's dreams and hard work being fulfilled in the beauty of their music.