The Donostia-based Ochote OZENKI was founded in 1983, performing for the first time at the Ochote Festival held at San Sebastian’s Euskal Jaiak (Basque
Festival) that same year. This marks nearly 40 years of continued dedication to Basque choral music, particularly in the traditional form of ochote singing.
During this time, OZENKI has represented San Sebastian at important choral festivals: Vilanova i la Geltrú, Aranda de Duero, Langreo, Borja, La Couronne
(France), Omis (Croatia), and has regularly attended ochote festivals held periodically in Cambó-les-Bains, Iruña, Portugalete, and Rentería.
The Ochote OZENKI has given hundreds of concerts, mostly in Gipuzkoa. It is the only ochote to have appeared various times on the “Kontzertiz” concert
commentary programme, performing musical presentations such as “Ochote y música: un buen menú”, “Un país gastronómico-musical”, and “La vuelta al
mundo en 80 fusas”. The Ochote OZENKI has actively participated in different aspects of San Sebastian’s cultural life. In 1987, OZENKI performed in the “The Barber of
Seville” at that year’s Musical Fortnight, playing the part of the choir in said opera. The group has been involved in the Musical Fortnight’s opening event
various times over the years. Of particular note is OZENKI’s performance at the June 1999 inaugural event of the Kursaal Congress Hall.
OZENKI has recorded three records: one dedicated exclusively to father Madina’s musical work for ochotes (AITA MADINA), another comprised of classic ochote songs (FESTARA!), and a final record dedicated to the city of San Sebastian, which includes the musical accompaniment of piano and accordion (DONOSTIA).