Basques in Boise

Jose Luis Egiluz, a Basque-born conductor now living in Boise, Idaho, will conduct the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra next April 17th and 18th.

The program, under the name of Iberia! Music from Spain and the Basque Country, features Arriaga''s Overture to Los Esclavos Felices, Guridi''s Ten Basque Melodies; Rimsky-Korsakov''s Capriccio Espagnol; Rodrigo''s Concierto de Aranjuez; and Manuel de Falla''s Suite from The Three Cornered Hat.

Jason Vieaux, an American virtuoso guitarist and frequent guest with orchestras across the United States, will be the visiting artist.

Jose Luis, who is currently on sabbatical from his job as High School Principal of Txorierri High School in the Basque town of Derio, led the Magic Valley Symphony from Twin Fall, Idaho last February 27th.

Jose Luis Egiluz, who has an extensive background in Basque folk music, has frequently been commissioned to arrange and compose Basque music for historical projects. He has advised Boise''s Biotzetik Basque Choir during its formative years and remains in frequent contact with the Boise Basque Community.

Maestro Eguiluz makes regular guest appearances with the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, the Orquesta Barroca Simon de Huarte of Bilbao, Sotto Voce Orchestra of San Sebastian, the Orquesta Lírica de Bilbao, the Orquesta Sinfónica Donostiarra of San Sebastian, and Bilbao''s Municipal Band.

Tickets for the concert are being sold online at the Boise Philharmonic web site.