22 November 2006
Others
The mixed Choir and the Conservatory Choir of Bilbao?s Association were the main protagonists in this concert. In it, Carl Orff?s ?Carmina Burana? was played in its version for two pianos and percussion. Iñaki Moreno, deputy director of Bilbao?s Choir, conducted this concert, which was performed by the solo voices of soprano Olatz Saitua, tenor Joaquín Asiain and baritone José Manuel Díaz. The choirs were accompanied on the piano by Anus Cividian and Borja Rubiños, and by the Opus III Percussion Ensemble group conducted by Jesús J. Soldevilla.
The work chosen for this event was first sang in Spain by Bilbao?s Choir accompanied by the Symphonic Orchestra. On 22 January 1960, 'Carmina Burana' was performed for the first time conducted by Rafael Frühbech de Burgos. The success achieved by this performance at the time at the now disappeared Buenos Aires Theatre encouraged the Association?s Board to appoint the then young conductor as Chief Conductor of its choirs. Since then, Bilbao?s Choir has performed this famous work on many occasions.
As for the University of Deusto, its origin dates back to 25 September 1886, when the first lesson was taught at the then School of Higher Education, which was soon known as University of Deusto, run by the Jesuits. The building was erected following the Marquess of Cubas? architectural guidelines. Its courses included disciplines like Law, Philosophy and Arts, preparatory courses for Engineers and Architects. In its first year, it had 61 students in law, 25 in Arts and 29 at the Preparatory Technical School. One month earlier, in August, Bilbao?s Choir Association was born, which stemmed directly from Bilbao?s Choral Society. Later, in May, The Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation were created, being the first of its kind in Spain.
