Koruak - International Choirs Festival

Koruak: The Voice of the Basque Country Resonates in Bayonne

The Koruak festival (meaning "the choirs" in Basque) is a unique musical event dedicated to the art of choral singing in all its forms. Organized every autumn in Bayonne, this international festival brings together Basque and international choirs for concerts, meetings, and musical exchanges in emblematic venues of the city.

A Two-Part Festival

Koruak unfolds over the last two weekends of the All Saints' Day holidays, with a program structured in two parts:

• First Weekend - Choirs of the Basque Country: Choirs from Iparralde (Northern Basque Country) gather for a weekend of choral singing dedicated to the Basque repertoire. Over 700 choristers share their passion for singing in concerts that highlight the richness and diversity of Basque vocal heritage.
• Second Weekend - Choirs from Elsewhere: Choirs from around the world are invited to perform in Bayonne, offering the public a musical journey through international choral traditions.

The Opening Concert

The festival traditionally opens with a prestigious opening concert that sets the tone for the edition. This concert features an internationally renowned choir or vocal ensemble. In 2025, the Orfeón Pamplonés, one of Spain's most prestigious choirs, opened the festival with an exceptional concert.

Exceptional Venues

Koruak concerts take place in several emblematic venues in Bayonne:

• Cathédrale Sainte-Marie: This masterpiece of Gothic art offers exceptional acoustics for choir concerts.
• Église Saint-André: Another essential concert venue for the festival, in the heart of Petit Bayonne.
• Théâtre de Bayonne: For indoor concerts and meetings between choristers.
• Squares and streets of the city: Open-air concerts punctuate the program, offering musical moments accessible to all.

The Ezin Aseak Association

The festival is driven by the association Ezin Aseak, which has worked for years to promote Basque choral singing. With the support of the City of Bayonne and the Basque Cultural Institute (EKE), the association has made Koruak a major event in Bayonne's cultural life and an ambassador of Basque choral culture internationally.

A Living Vocal Heritage

Choral singing holds a central place in Basque culture. Male, female, and mixed choirs are a living tradition passed down from generation to generation. Koruak contributes to preserving and promoting this heritage by offering a stage to Basque choirs while engaging them in dialogue with choral traditions from around the world.