Improvised Poetry & Song in the Basque Country

IMPROVISED POETRY & SONG IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY

History and development
Competitions and championships
Masters of improvisation
Becoming a bertsulari

Basque Country Improvisation Championship 2009

Partners :

Aquitaine BNSA
EJGV

Becoming a bertsulari

At the beginning of the 1990’s, on the initiative of several teachers from the ikastolas (Basque-medium schools) and the Association Bertsularien Lagunak, the first classes in the art of versified improvisation were given during school time.

Children from improvisation schools next to the statue of the bertsulari Mattin in Ahetze (XDZ)

Later on the association decided to employ a full-time teacher with experience.
This commitment proved to be one of the most efficient: within just a few months improvisation “schools” sprung up in Hendaye, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Bayonne.

During the years that followed the movement gained momentum and classes were also given at the ikastolas in Hasparren, Ustaritz, Cambo, Saint-Just-Ibarre, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Chéraute.

Consequently there is a renewal of interest in the art of versified improvisation which is developing across the Northern Basque Country.

Many children have become interested in improvisation. Amets Arzallus and Sustrai Kolina, currently classed amongst the best, learnt in these schools. Without a doubt, the next generation will include:  Miren Artetxe, Xumai Murua, Eneritz Zabaleta, Mizel Mateo, Patxi Iriart, Gillen Hiribarren, Aimar Karrika and Odei Barroso.

This irrefutably proves that the teaching of improvisation has begun to bear its fruit!

 

EUSKAL KULTUR ERAKUNDEA - INSTITUT CULTUREL BASQUE

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The guides

You will be accompanied throughout this site by improvisers. During your visit: click on their photos to discover what they have to say.