Lorenzo Ondarra, organist and composer, was educated at the Alsasua Capuchin Seminary, where he began his musical studies. After being appointed musical director of the Escolanía de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes of San Sebastián, in 1957, he began his studies at the Conservatory with Francisco Escudero, his harmony teacher, and Tomás Garbizu, his organ teacher. He further broadened his skills with various courses in Lucerne, Siena and Darmstadt. His compositions cover a wide range of genres: religious music, txistu playing bands, choirs, vocal and instrumental ensemble, instrumental ensemble, recorder and organ. His work was awarded several times, notably winning the National Prize, which he shared with Tomás Marco, for his work Diálogos for two sextets of strings and organ.
21 to 25 September 2020.
Orfeón Pamplonés
The Orfeón Pamplonés traces back to 1865, the year in which the institution was created, chaired by Conrado García and directed by Joaquín Maya. This first group ceased its activities in 1873. In 1881, the Ateneo Orfeón Pamplonés was founded, lasting until 1885. Finally, the definitive Orfeón was established on August 28, 1890, led by Fidel Maya, who would leave office in 1891, being replaced by Remigio Múgica. Great music personalities of Navarre have taken their turn directing the Orfeón Pamplonés, such as Martín Lipúzcoa, Juan Eraso, Pedro Pirfano, José Antonio Huarte, Juan Carlos Múgica, Koldo Pastor, Pascual Aldave and Alfonso Huarte. The current director is Igor Ijurra.
Throughout the preceding decades it has significantly developed its activity in the performance of not only the choral symphonic repertoire, where it stands out, but also the stage and a cappella repertoire. Its relevance in Navarrese cultural life makes it a must for events of special artistic, social and institutional importance. But this institution’s relevance is not limited to the Autonomous Community. In the last decade, it has become active internationally, occupying the great stages of countries such as Mexico, the United States, England, France and Russia, as well as participating in some of the most renowned international symphonic festivals such as PROMS or the White Nights of St. Petersburg.
Among the awards it has received are the Prince of Viana Award, the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts and the Gold Medals of Navarre and Pamplona.
Igor Ijurra Fernández
Director
He possesses a graduate degree in Choir Conducting from Musikene, a degree in Singing and Solfège from the Sarasate Conservatory and a Law degree from the University of Navarre. Igor has additionally developed his skills as a musician with prestigious choir and orchestra conductors such as Juanjo Mena, Philip Ledger, Johan Duijck, Javi Busto, Gary Graden, Peter Erdey, Laszlo Heltay, Gabriel Baltes, Donato Renzetti, Massimiliano Caldi, Kenneth Kiesler, Manuel Hernández Silva and Yaron Traub.
The current director of the Orfeón Pamplonés, he has worked on the great choral symphonic repertoire, as well as operas by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and La vida breve by Falla, introducing around 30 new works into his repertoire. He has participated, as choir and orchestra conductor, with other groups such as the National Choir, the RTVE Choir, the Community of Madrid Choir, the Pamplona Chamber Choir, the Navarre Symphony Orchestra and the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra. He teaches conducting courses, musical workshops and conferences. He also occasionally serves as a jury member at choir and composition competitions.
Ijurra's interest in the works of Basque-Navarrese authors has inspired him to direct and premiere several works of such nature. He is also a populariser of the work of composer Lorenzo Ondarra (1931-2012).
In 2014, he was awarded the Diapasón de Oro by the Spanish Confederation of Choir Associations (COACE). Since November 2016, he has been a young corresponding member at Jakiunde, the Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters of Navarre, Euskadi and Aquitaine.
Pater Noster Ondarra
15/03/2021
