Applications Now Open for the Etxepare Basque Institute Music Award

The Etxepare Basque Institute Music Award 2026 is now open. From 9 December until 22 January 2026, professionals from the Basque music sector may submit their applications. This award recognises the work of an artist or group in promoting Basque music beyond our borders.

The Etxepare Basque Institute Music Award is part of the Musika Bulegoa Awards, which will celebrate their 10th edition this year. In total, the work of 11 artists or groups will be recognised, with the aim of highlighting the Basque music sector. In addition, the awards seek to foster artistic creation, give visibility to projects, and serve as a showcase for Basque music.

The Musika Bulegoa Awards present eleven prizes: eight awarded by a professional jury, alongside the EHMBE Honorary Award for an outstanding career in music, and the Audience Award, chosen by popular vote. Both the winners in the eight music categories and the recipient of the Etxepare Basque Institute Music Award will receive a €2,000 cash prize, as well as a sculpture designed by Fernando Mikelarena. The awards ceremony will take place on 4 June 2026 at the Atabal venue in Biarritz.

In the 2025 edition, the Etxepare Euskal Institutua Music Award was awarded to Izaro. According to the jury, ‘she has taken the Basque language and culture to new, unexpected and diverse territories. With her own talent, sensitivity and great presence, she has performed on international stages, combining Basque with other languages, opening new paths, forging bonds and uniting voices.’ In addition, last year’s Musika Bulegoa Award winners were:

• Soinuak Haizean, for their work in bringing classical music to younger audiences.
• Olatz Salvador, for her album ‘Zainak eman’.
• Verde Prato, for the album ‘Erromantizismoa’, in collaboration with Bronquio.
• Bloñ, for the quality and originality of ‘Bañolet kantuz’.
• Libe, for her ability to create her own identity and atmosphere with the album ‘Azal ezten’.
• The band Arineketa, for combining tradition and innovation.
• Eneritz Furyak, with ‘hhh’ for blending experimentation with a voice rooted in tradition.
• Gorka Urbizu, with his first solo album, ‘Hasiera bat’, for conveying the most complex emotions through simple compositions.

The audience award went to the Zabaldika Quartet. Last year’s Musika Bulegoa honorary award went to Benito Lertxundi for his lifetime achievement.