Pantxoa Urtizberea was born in 1992 in Lyon, France. At the age of 7, he began playing the flute in Grasse and quickly developed a passion for music. He continued his formal musical education at the conservatory in Aix en Provence under the guidance of Jean-Marc Boissière. After transferring to the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse (CNSM) in Paris, he further honed his skills under renowned teachers such as Sophie Cherrier and Vincent Lucas. His studies continued at the University of Music in Munich under Professor Andrea Lieberknecht, where he obtained his master’s degree in flute. This solid education laid the foundation for his impressive career as a flutist.
Pantxoa Urtizberea has established himself as a talented flutist in various renowned orchestras. After his position as an academy member in the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (2013-2015) and as assistant principal flute at the Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern as well as the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig, he had the opportunity to perform under the direction of prominent conductors such as Mariss Jansons and Andris Nelsons. As a member of the Tyrolean Symphony Orchestra Innsbruck and the Vogtland Philharmonic, he gained valuable experience as a principal flutist. These engagements allowed him not only to present his solo and chamber music but also to collaborate with outstanding musicians and further develop in the orchestral scene.
In addition to his orchestral career, Pantxoa Urtizberea has also given impressive performances as a soloist. In 2010, he made his debut in solo concerts in Le Havre and Honfleur with the André Caplet Orchestra. In 2022, he performed with the Vogtland Philharmonic and the Greizer Collegium, showcasing his extraordinary talent and musical versatility. In the fall of 2025, he will once again perform in a solo appearance with musicians from the Tyrolean Symphony Orchestra Innsbruck, underscoring his ongoing presence in the music scene and his dedication to flute music.
Pantxoa Urtizberea has received numerous international awards throughout his career, recognizing his skill and dedication to music. In 2004, he was honored with the 1st prize with distinction in the national youth competition in Morangis and received the special prize for the most promising young flutist at the International Flute Competition “Maxence Larrieu” in Nice in 2007. Additionally, he won the Bärenreither Urtext Prize at the 59th International ARD Competition in Munich in 2010 and secured the 2nd prize in the university competition of the Rectors' Conference of the German Music Universities in 2012. These awards testify to his exceptional talent and enduring passion for flute music.
Through his outstanding achievements and commitment to music, Pantxoa Urtizberea has enriched the musical world not only as a soloist but also as a significant teacher. With his diverse experiences in various areas of music, he is an inspiring personality.
Helena Epp was born in Nizhny Tagil, Russia, a city known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant artistic community. From a young age, Helena showed a keen interest in the arts, using her surroundings as inspiration for her early works. Her passion for painting led her to pursue formal education at the State Academy for Social Sciences and Education in Nizhny Tagil, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of art and its societal implications. Graduating with honors in 2014, Helena emerged as a promising artist committed to reflecting the human experience through her vibrant and evocative paintings.
Throughout her career, Helena dedicated her life to painting, exploring various styles and techniques that resonate with her personal experiences and cultural heritage. Her work has gained recognition on both national and international stages. Helena has successfully exhibited her paintings in several countries, including Russia, China, and Austria, where her artistry has captivated audiences and collectors alike. Her creations are now featured in private collections around the globe, with notable presences in the USA, France, and Germany, reflecting the universal appeal of her work.
Helena's artistic journey has been marked by her participation in numerous international painting competitions across various countries, including Russia, Belarus, Germany, Italy, and Turkey. Her participation in these competitions not only showcases her talent but also enriches her artistic perspective as she engages with diverse artistic communities and cultural influences.
Currently residing in Austria, Helena continues to inspire others through her art and teaching. As an educator, she shares her knowledge and passion for painting, conducting workshops that empower aspiring artists to explore their creativity and develop their skills. Helena Epp’s commitment to her craft and her ability to connect with people through her art solidify her status as a significant figure in the contemporary art scene.
With a career dedicated to bridging cultural and artistic boundaries, Helena Epp remains a vibrant force in the art world, continually seeking new ways to express her vision and inspire others through her remarkable journey as a painter.