Duo Ttukunak and txalaparta: Basque sisters with a wooden sound at Stary Klasztor

Ethno Jazz Festival invites you to another evening in the World Music at Stary Klasztor series. On 23 July, the stars will be DUO TTUKUNAN, playing spectacular wooden txalaparta instruments from the Basque Country.

TTUKUNAK are Sara and Maika Gómez, twin sisters from the Basque Country. They play the txalaparta, an ancient instrument made from wood, metal and stone, the only instrument requiring two players. Twenty years ago, it unexpectedly fell into the twins’ hands, and they have performed worldwide ever since, from London’s Royal Festival Hall to Brazil. They have travelled throughout Europe and Asia, working with renowned musicians including John Zorn, Mariza, Ojos de Brujo and Radio Tarifa.

The twins' delicate appearance and beauty contrast with the hardness and primitive nature of an instrument traditionally associated with masculinity. The sisters and their instrument create a unique visual display on stage during their acoustic concert.

The txalaparta is all about communication and improvisation, which is why harmony between the musicians is so important. In the past, the Basques used it to communicate over long distances between farmsteads. The txalaparta is a traditional Basque percussion instrument. In its ancient form, it consisted of a thick wooden beam resting on baskets and maize leaves. Sticks were used to strike the beam to the rhythms of early Basque melodies. Today, several beams made from different materials are used, and its former purpose has given way to music and entertainment.

Wrocław audiences had the opportunity to admire other txalaparta virtuosos at the New Year's Eve 2011 concert in the Market Square, broadcast on TVP2. Viewers considered Basque group Oreka Tx's performance one of the evening's most interesting and spectacular elements.