Guest Choral Conductor · Choral Fest Costa Rica
Josu Elberdin Badiola: Composer and Choral Conductor
Josu Elberdin Badiola is a Basque composer, choral conductor, teacher and organist whose work is especially associated with choral composition, children's repertoire and international music education.
Choral Fest Costa Rica for Peace welcomed Elberdin as a Guest Director for the 2026 edition, adding his artistic and educational perspective to the festival's international choral history.
Biography
Josu Elberdin Badiola: musical background and professional work
Josu Elberdin Badiola was born in 1976 in Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain. He completed his musical studies at Pasaia Musikal, where he earned qualifications as a piano teacher and voice teacher. He also holds a diploma in Social Education from the University of the Basque Country.
According to his official biography, he has taught at the Pasaia Municipal Music School since 2000 and has served as titular organist of the Parish of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Trintxerpe in Pasaia since 1991.
His international work includes seminars and courses in children's and adult choral conducting, as well as service as a juror in national and international choral and composition competitions.
Composition
An international body of choral work
Elberdin's work is particularly recognized in choral composition, including music for children's and youth choirs, commissioned works and repertoire connected to major international choral events.
Children's and youth repertoire
Much of his catalogue is associated with younger voices, including works presented in musical-storytelling and larger symphonic formats.
International commissions
His biography lists commissions or required works connected with events including Tolosa, Taipei International Choral Festival, Europa Cantat Junior, the World Choral Symposium, Quincena Musical de San Sebastián and Musikaste.
Published music
Selected works have been published by Walton, Helbling and CM Ediciones Musicales. Additional catalogue information is available on his official website.
Connection with Choral Fest Costa Rica
Guest Director in the 2026 festival archive
Choral Fest Costa Rica's published 2026 materials identify Josu Elberdin Badiola as Guest Director for that edition.
Current festival information
Looking for Choral Fest Costa Rica 2027?
Use the current festival pages for confirmed 2027 information. A guest conductor's historical profile should not be used as evidence of a current-year appointment unless the current program says so.
Program 2027
Current artistic journey, schedule framework and published festival information.
For Choir Directors
Planning resources for ensembles considering participation.
Frequently asked questions
Josu Elberdin Badiola FAQ
Who is Josu Elberdin Badiola?
Josu Elberdin Badiola is a Basque composer, choral conductor, teacher and organist from Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
What is Josu Elberdin known for?
He is internationally known for choral composition, especially repertoire for children's and youth choirs, as well as for conducting courses, commissions and work with international choral organizations.
What is Josu Elberdin's educational background?
He completed musical studies at Pasaia Musikal, earning qualifications as a piano and voice teacher, and he also holds a diploma in Social Education from the University of the Basque Country.
Where does Josu Elberdin teach?
According to his official biography, he has taught at the Pasaia Municipal Music School since 2000.
Is Josu Elberdin an organist?
Yes. His official biography states that he has served as titular organist of the Parish of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Trintxerpe in Pasaia since 1991.
What international choral work has he done?
He has led conducting seminars and courses internationally, served as a juror in choral and composition competitions, and written commissioned or required works for major festivals and competitions.
What is his relationship with the Tolosa International Choral Contest?
His official biography identifies him as a member of the Technical Committee of the Tolosa International Choral Contest.
What is his relationship with Ourencanto?
His official biography identifies him as Technical Director of Ourencanto.
Has Josu Elberdin participated in Choral Fest Costa Rica for Peace?
Yes. Choral Fest Costa Rica published him as Guest Director for its 2026 edition.
Where can I find Josu Elberdin's music?
Selected works are published by Walton, Helbling and CM Ediciones Musicales, while additional catalogue information is available through his official website, elberdin.com.
Explore the festival archive
Discover the conductors, programs and voices that form Choral Fest Costa Rica's history
Continue through Previous Festivals and the Legacy Library for historical material, or use Program 2027 for the current edition.



