The Koruko Ama Birjinaren Scholla Cantorum, which adopted its current name, Koruko Ama Birjinaren Eskola, in 1976 (1976) and nowadays commonly known as Eskola, is an cultural and arts association founded in 1940 (1940) in San Sebastián by Juan Urteaga. Initially, it had a choir, but a dance company emerged soon. In the 1960s, the music band was created, performing together with the dance company ever since. All three groups are active as of today. The first performance of the association was held in Easter 1940 (1940): the founding date of Eskola is set to be April 10, 1940 (1940-04-10).
Eskola is a member of the Union of Basque Dancers, appointed under the division of the Gipuzkoan Union of Basque Dancers.
AingerutxoAmaia OperaMusic: Ezpata-dantza of the Amaia opera (Jesus Guridi)AmetsakChoreography: Josetxo FuentesMusic: traditionalChoreography based on the activities of the 18th century trading company Royal Gipuzkoan Company of Caracas (2 acts).Arin-arinaBaleaMusic: Balearen bertsoak (Benito Lertxundi)El caseríoChoreography: Josetxo FuentesMusic: El caserío: preludio acto II (Jesús Guridi)Choreography composed for the prologue of the 2nd act of the zarzuela El Caserío.Donostiako MartxaChoreography: Josetxo FuentesMusic: Raimundo SarrieguiDonostiako Martxa ZaharraChoreography: Josetxo FuentesMusic: Jose Juan SantestebanOfficial zortziko march existing in Donostia in the 19th century.Erriberako jotaMusic: Jota Navarra (Enrique Zelaia)ErromeriaMusic: traditional/Sergio GarzesEuskal Musikaren GorespenaMusic: Euskal Musikaren Gorespena (José Uruñuela)Eusko IrudiakMusic: Euzko irudiak: ezpata-dantza (Jesus Guridi)FandangoaChoreography: Josetxo FuentesMusic: traditionalBased on the couple dancing (suelto) championship held every year in Segura (Gipuzkoa).GernikaChoreography: Josetxo FuentesMusic: Pablo SorozabalBased on the Bombing of Guernica on April 26, 1937 (1937-04-26).HerribeheraChoreography: Josetxo FuentesMusic: Herribehera (Benito Lertxundi)Traditional dance composed of two parts; in the first one, the dancers represent the beds of the Coat of arms of Navarre; in the second part, the dancers represent the Coat of arms of Navarre.Hirugarren HegoaMusic: Txoria txori (writer: Joxean Artze; music: Mikel Laboa)HotseanChoreography: Josetxo Fuentes and Juan Luis UnzurrunzagaMusic: Baga Biga Higa (Mikel Laboa)IpuinaMusic: Euskal pizkundea (Benito Lertxundi)MaiteChoreography: Josetxo FuentesMusic: Pablo SorozabalRepresents the rivalry between two groups of female dancers, each showing their ability to perform.Oleskari ZaharraChoreography: Josetxo FuentesMusic: Jose de OlaizolaComposed for the Oleskari Zarra opera.SalazarChoreography: Josetxo FuentesBased on the traditional dances from the Salazar Valley in Navarre.SorgiñakTxanton PiperriUrketariakChoreography: Josetxo FuentesMusic: Sergio GarzesComposed in the tribute of the men, and especially women, who used to go the fountains lying next to the cannons of the Old Town in San Sebastián to look for warter.ZortzikoaThe Eskola dance company, together with other companies in Donostia, organizes the Lauarin dance festival in the city at the end of June every year.
The Gardeners' Comparsa is the oldest group of the Carnival in San Sebastian, paraded through the streets for the first time on January 29, 1818 (1818-01-29). After not being represented by any local group for many years, Eskola regained it in 1999 (1999). Since then, Eskola is responsible for representing the Gardeners' Comparsa during Carnival in San Sebastian, as well as other acts of special character.
Koruko Ama Birjinaren Eskola has a company parading in the Tamborrada since 2012 (2012). Both current and former dancers and choristers take part in the company; the total number of members is as high as 145, 100 barrels and 45 drums. During the San Sebastian day (January, 20th), the company parades between 5 p.m and 9 p.m. along the following streets: Aldapeta - Easo - Zubieta - Marina - San Martin - Urbieta - Larramendi - Errege Katolikoak - Koldo Mitxelena - Urdaneta - Hondarribia - San Martin - Getaria - Arrasate - Hondarribia - Askatasunaren Etorbidea - Urbieta - San Bartolome - Aldapeta. The company stops at several places during the parade to perform Raimundo Sarriegi's San Sebastian martxa.
