Musical holidays in the Basque Country

Each summer sees the Vitoria Jazz Festival and the San Sebastián Music Fortnight - two vital cultural events in Spain. These are amongst Europe's most important international music festivals for their high-quality programme and the prestige of the artists taking part.

Exclusive performances, world-renowned artists and unique settings. This summer, set aside a few days to visit the north of Spain and enjoy good music in the Basque Country.The Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival and the San Sebastián Music Fortnight have different styles, but the objective is the same: to offer the audience unforgettable sensations. Something you will not want to miss.

Great figures and improvisation

The city of Vitoria-Gasteiz will, once again, witness live performances by major stars of jazz music and up and coming young artists in the genre. Nevertheless, at the Vitoria Jazz Festival music is not limited to the concerts. You can also experience it on the street, with the good-time jazz of New Orleans bands that parade through the city, or by night, at improvised jam sessions at clubs. Every night, in the early hours, these clubs offer you the chance to hear musicians who do not usually play together, making the most of the occasion to do so for sheer pleasure. Important figures like George Benson and Marcus Miller have taken part in these sessions, so it is no surprise that international critics say that the world's best after hours jazz in July can be found in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

From opera to symphony concerts

Despite its name, the San Sebastián Music Fortnight lasts a whole month. This event is held in the city of Donostia-San Sebastián and it is one of Europe's most long-running. It includes opera, classical ballet, medieval music and symphony concerts, amongst others.

At this edition you can also enjoy the repertoire of major international orchestras. Another of the festival's attractions are the varied venues where concerts are held. The main festival venue is the modern Kursaal Auditorium, but there are also concerts held at old churches and historic monuments. Buildings like the Santa María Basilica and Miramar Palace are venues that usually help to create a magical atmosphere with their stunning architecture.