Surprise Orsai concert at the Thinking Football festival

The Thinking, Letters and Football 2021 festival, organised by the Athletic Club Foundation, could not have had a more extraordinary and cinematic start.  To the delight of a packed out Sala BBK, the music group Orsai, formed by the footballers Asier Villalibre, Oscar De Marcos, Mikel Balenziaga, Iñigo Lekue, Mikel Vesga and Dani García, gave a surprise concert after the screening of LFG.

With the credits rolling and many spectators already leaving the auditorium, the first trumpet chords of the song One Club Men rang out across the room. The cinema screen rose and Orsai were unveiled onstage. The audiences faces’ lit up with joy and excitement as they realised what was happening, that the band consisting of Athletic first-team footballers were about to play.

The session began at seven in the evening with Aitor Elizegi’s introductory speech and Iker Muniain presenting Julián Duque with the 2019 Audience Award. The co-director of the film “Nossa Chape” received the award he was unable to collect last year due to the pandemic. All in all, a splendid opening night of a unique festival that brought together numerous personalities in the Sala BBK.

In addition to those named, the event was attended by Juan Carlos Ercoreca, Jon Vázquez Eguskiza, Andoni Goikoetxea, Galder Reguera and Laura Mintegi on behalf of the Foundation; board of director members Mikel Martínez, Goyo Arbizu, Iker Goñi and Itziar Villamandos; Itxaso Erroteta and Marcos Muro from the Bilbao City Council; Gorka Martínez and Koldo Bilbao from BBK; Jose Angel Iribar, Marcelino García Toral, Iraia Iturregi, Carlos Gurpegui, Ainhoa Tirapu, Jokin Ezkieta, Yuri Berchiche, Iñaki Williams, Jon Morcillo, Ismael Fernández and José Carrascosa; Garazi Murua, Marta Unzué, Nekane Díez, Mariasun Quiñones, Itxaso Uriarte, Oihane Hernández, Naroa Uriarte, Ane Azkona, Rafael Alkorta, Joseba Aguirre, Markel Susaeta, Beñat Etxebarria, Roberto Martínez Tiko and Ernesto Valverde; and Orsai guitarist and music teacher, Juan Escribano.

Commitment to the Athletic Club Foundation

The Athletic Club Foundation would like to publicly thank Orsai and the rest of the members of our men’s and women’s first teams for their commitment to the work done by the Foundation. Orsai’s participation in the opening day and Athletic Club’s first teams’ presence at Sala BBK is a true recognition of the Foundation’s social, cultural, sporting, academic and environmental projects.

A sincere commitment, often carried out with total discretion, that reflects their professionalism as well as their willingness to participate and collaborate with the Foundation.

Orsai’s short concert was also a reward for the loyal audience of the Thinking Football Film Festival and Letters and Football which, like yesterday, has always filled the Sala BBK and supported a social initiative that builds bridges between culture and football.

Finally, for the Athletic Club Foundation it is a very positive and admirable that Athletic Club footballers set an example by dedicating their free time to culture, in this specific case, to study, learn and practise music.

Juan Villoro and Marcel Beltrán at San Mamés BAT

The festival continues today with a literary meeting bringing together Mexican writer Juan Villoro and Panenka journalist Marcel Beltrán in the North Hall of San Mames BAT, a talk which will be moderated by the Foundation’s Project Manager, Galder Reguera.

Unfortunately, Juan Pablo Sorín (Buenos Aires, 1976) has been unable to travel from Argentina to Bilbao due to personal problems and will not be able to take part as planned. However, the former River Plate, Lazio, FC Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain player will do his best to participate at the beginning of the chat via streaming.

Entry is free with pre-booked tickets which can be found HERE

The discussion can also be followed via Athletic Club’s official YouTube channel