"Our world’s caves are places of wonder, mystery and majestic beauty. Show caves around the world are embracing their role in protecting and preserving caves and providing a place for people to learn about these special, natural, cultural and historical resources.
Show caves also play another important nature tourism role of sustainable economic development, providing jobs, and helping the economy of their regions.”
…Aspaldian… A contemporary musical creation
…Aspaldian…
A contemporary musical creation by François Rossé
for prehistoric vulture bone flute and contemporary instrument ensemble
Mixel Etxekopar - Jean-Charles Sans - Christian Vieussens - Jean-Louis Hargous - José Lepiez - François Rossé
The series of archaeological digs taking place at the caves of Isturitz since the early 20th century have unearthed the highest known concentration of Palaeolithic flutes in the entire world to date.
A total of 22 flute fragments have been found in the main chamber (‘Grande Salle’) at Isturitz dating back to between the Aurignacian and Magdalenian eras (35,000 to 10,000 years ago). These flutes are made from the bones of raptors such as the bearded and other vultures.
With this creation by composer François Rossé, the site’s Cultural Space (‘Espace Culturel Arts et Sciences’) pays tribute to the people of Isturitz who count amongst the first musicians in all of humanity and to the permanent nature of artistic creation. This event is also the product of a dramatic “collaboration between the arts and sciences”. Over a two-year period, artists and archaeologists worked closely together to compose, recreate the instruments and explore modes of play, mastering the flutes whilst also learning more about the cave.
On 11 and 12 May, music and scientific preamble:
On the esplanade: Archaeologist and musician...
What path did the archaeologists follow to overcome the challenge of rebuilding the prehistoric flutes to place in the hands of a flutist? Techniques, reflections, museum explorations, encounters with musicians and more... As a preview of the musical performance to take place in the cave, Christian Normand (SRA Aquitaine) presents the flutes of Isturitz 2012.
In the cave: Aspaldian… by François Rossé
featuring
Christian Normand (archaeologist - flute production and presentation)
Mixel Etxekopar (xirula, prehistoric flute)
Jean-Charles Sans (xirula, prehistoric flute)
Christian Vieussens (bass flute, prehistoric flute)
Jean-Louis Hargous (bass clarinet, prehistoric flute)
José Lepiez (musical woods)
François Rossé (percussion, electroacoustics)
and student flutists from Soule and the Soinubila music school in Hasparren
Artistic direction, arrangement of cave space: Jean-Philippe Leremboure
Reservations: 05 59 47 30 17 - Limited seating available; reservations recommended.
Tickets: €13 - Reduced rate: €7 (under age 18 / job seekers)
Media Contact:
Artistic Direction: 06 14 82 65 52 - Jean-Philippe Leremboure
Communication / Coordination 05 59 29 40 50 - Nathalie Paroix
About the Performance
Jean Bernard Larteguy invites you to attend an event at Maison de Pays Etxezaharria (1 km from the caves)
11 May Traditional snack at 6:00 p.m., €15
12 May Supper at 8:30 p.m., €17.50
Reservations essential by 7 May for all offerings: 05 59 47 30 17
Accommodations (guest room, B&B, hotel)
Hasparren Tourism Board: hasparren.tourisme@wanadoo.fr - Tel. 05 59 29 62 02
In partnership with Eihartzea Cultural Centre in Hasparren, a “Baten Bila” session featuring François Rossé and Mixel Etxekopar on Thursday 10 May.