euskalkultura.eus

Bilbao, Bizkaia.  The San Antonio de Iralabarri choir presented it’s project to the society “The power of excitement,” a campaign that hopes to gather funds to support a trip to the Centennial celebration of the Euzko Etxea in New York.  They offered a preview concert that included songs that they are preparing for the trip, including American songs such as New York, New York alongside classic and contemporary Basque songs such as Lau Teilatu; all a declaration of their intentions.

The choir is formed by 75 members that try to “dignify a popular repertoire.”  In their repertoire they include songs from the Renaissance to songs by the Beatles.  This year they have made performing at the Centennial of the Eusko Etxea in New York as one of their goals from October 11-14.  The club has been in contact with the choir and has gladly accepted their proposal to join in the festivities.

As explained to EuskalKultura.com by the choir, they are preparing the performance “we would do two extraordinary concerts in Manhattan, probably in the Trinity Church or in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, we would also perform in Central Park, participate in the Basque club’s centennial mass, and also process in the Columbus Day parade.”  “A unique experience for all of our members,” they explain on their project’s website.

Looking for online support

The choir has launched a campaign to gather funds on the Verkami site.  They are estimating that each airline ticket and stay will cost 1,500 Euros, half of which will be paid by each choir member.  They are hoping to gather the remaining funds through various initiatives, including Verkami, in which they have sent a target of 10,000.

They have not asked for any public funds, “In today’s society there exist greater concerns and needs where public monies should be spent.  We have the privileged opportunity to work and gather the necessary monies.  We only ask for the collaboration of people who are sensitive to our project who appreciate our strength and our hope. 

-Choir’s website: www.coralsanantonio.biz