Garikoitz Mendizabal has a unique way of playing and feeling the txistu which is the most popular basque musical instrument, a three-hole vertical flute. On May 3, he will play the concerto for txistu and orchestra of Naji Hakim, along with the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Fouad Fakhouri and in partnership with the Centre du patrimoine musical libanais (CPML). He talks to the Agenda Culturel.


Is it your first stay in Lebanon?
Yes, it’s my first time in Lebanon.

What are your impressions about it?
I look forward to seeing Lebanon and getting a first impression of the city and the Orchestra.

What is the particularity of the txistu ?
The Txistu (The Basque Txistu) is mainly used to make traditional music, dances and chamber. It is taught from music schools to conservatories and there is a higher txistu career. Which sets him apart from other similar instruments on the peninsula.
In Spain similar instruments, such as Asturian xipla, the Andalusian rociera flute, the Catalan flaviol, or the galoubet of southern France, all of which are played with only one hand.

Is the music of Naji Hakim inspiring to you?
Naji’s music inspires me a lot. I think it is very original, very personal and rooted in the Basque Country. In the concert that we are going to premiere there are moments of dancing, fun moments, moments of sadness like what is recreated in the funeral march of Gernika (dedicated by Sorozábal to the bombing of Gernika) and moments of elegant chamber music. It’s a very rich mix of sensations.

What are your plans after this concert?
After this concert I have to direct the txistularis band of Bilbao and I have many other concerts in different collaborations. I have a play to premiere with the band Música de La Coruña, Valencia, Madrid and I am preparing an album for the end of this year.