In the Soule Valley, in the heart of the Basque Country in the Pyrenees, solitary, wordless litanies rise from the depths. Traditionally performed by shepherds, the “basa ahaide” springs from humanity’s encounter with the mystery of the mountains. Julen Achiary heard this song from his earliest childhood. Following in the footsteps of his father, Beñat Achiary, he is now among the musicians who are helping to promote the musical traditions of Soule. Together with Jordi Cassagne, Bastien Fontaille, and Nicolas Nageotte, he forms the group Haratago, which means “beyond” in Basque. Drawing inspiration from sounds and rhythms from Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the Congo, they are reinventing the basa ahaide. Basque at its core yet open to the world, this music embodies the philosophy of the Haizebegi Festival and will set the audience ablaze during its closing concert.
Margot Artur de Lizarraga
