Stand-out examples of his extensive list of recordings include:

 

Bihurrikeritan (clowning around): Garikoitz’ first solo record, in which the artist’s supreme technique brings out the surprising virtuoso possibilities of the instrument.

 

Sosegua (Peace), Garikoitz’ most intimate work to date, reveals the sensitive side of the txistu through a series of tranquil and placid melodies accompanied by classical and popular instruments.

 

Txistu Symphonic, a landmark recording in which the artist takes the brave step of playing as a lead instrument alongside a symphony orchestra, was released in 2012. Recorded with the Bratislava Symphony Orchestra, this work takes the txistu up to giddy heights in the arena of classical music. The premier live performance in the Basque Country was in the Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall with the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra.

 

In 2014, Garikoitz made his debut in the official season of concerts of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra with Eresoinka, an original work for txistu and symphony orchestra composed by Isabel Urrutia.

 

Garikoitz is totally committed to his instrument and culture. He combines his work as a soloist with his responsibilities as Director of the Bilbao Municipal Band of Txistu Players, and has recently been named a member of the Royal Basque Society of Friends of the Country.

Born November 1973 in Zestoa (Gipuzkoa, Spain).

 

Higher Graduate Diploma in Music (Txistu), graduating with Honours from the San Sebastián Higher School of Music.

 

Awarded 1st Prize on two occasions in the Basque Country Competition for Txistu Players, and 1st Prize in 2002 in the Competition for Bands of Txistu Players held in Rentería (Gipuzkoa) with the Vitoria Municipal Band of Txistu Players, of which he was the Director.

 

As a soloist, Garikoitz has performed with highly prestigious orchestras such as the Madrid Symphony Orchestra, The Bratislava Symphony Orchestra, St Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra, the Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu (Barcelona), the Euskadi Symphony Orchestra, the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, the Chun Cheon and Gyonbook Philharmonic Orchestras of South Korea and the Madrid Municipal Band of Txistu Players.

 

Garikoitz also collaborates with folk groups such as Korrontzi and has shared stage with musicians of the calibre of Carlos Núñez and Kepa Junkera.