Departures of note

Tomas Soraluze Balentziaga, better known as 'Epelde', was a Basque trikitilari (player of the trikitixa, a diatonic button accordion) from Azkoitia in Gipuzkoa. He came from a family of popular musicians, with a father and grandfather who were dulzaineros, and he began playing the instrument at the age of eight. He was associated with the name of his natal house, 'Epelde', and was also known in surrounding villages as 'Porrua'.

Together with Anjel Larrañaga, he formed the duo Epelde eta Larrañaga, with whom he recorded three albums for the Elkar label: 'Elkarren ondoren' (1999), which included his famous song 'Kupela'; 'Noiz arte?' (2001); and 'Agur' (2004). He also created three pieces for the Geure kolkotik collection published by Euskal Herriko Trikitixa Elkartea in 2011.

He was honored in 2022 at the San José festival, in which he had participated on several occasions. His death at the age of 81 was announced by Euskal Herriko Trikitixa Elkartea.