Batia Murvitz & Pantxoa Urtizberea – 1st Prize with Special Mention, Chamber Ensemble
Pantxoa Urtizberea and Batia Murvitz are a remarkable musical duo that has captured the hearts of audiences since their collaboration began one year ago in Innsbruck, Austria. Their unique combination of flute and piano offers a richly textured soundscape that showcases their individual talents and deep musical compatibility.
Pantxoa Urtizberea, born in 1992 in Lyon, France, began his musical journey at the young age of seven when he picked up the flute in Grasse. His passion for music led him to study at the Conservatory in Aix en Provence, later transferring to the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse (CNSM) in Paris to further refine his craft under esteemed teachers like Sophie Cherrier and Vincent Lucas. Pantxoa continued his studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Munich, where he obtained his Master’s diploma in Flute under Professor Andrea Lieberknecht.
Throughout his career, Pantxoa has performed with numerous prestigious orchestras, including the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig, collaborating with renowned conductors such as Mariss Jansons and Andris Nelsons. His solo performances, such as his debut with the Orchestre André Caplet in 2010 and subsequent appearances with the Vogtland Philharmonie, further attest to his exceptional talent and versatility. Recognized with multiple awards throughout his career, Pantxoa is known not just for his performance but also for his dedication to education and mentorship in the musical community.
Batia Murvitz, an accomplished pianist from Israel, has been immersed in the world of music for many years. Between 2014 and 2024, she was a prominent performer with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, showcasing her skills on piano, celesta, and cembalo. Known for her engaging performances, Batia has participated in significant chamber music festivals across Europe, including the Schoenberg Festival in London and the Viva Sibelius festival in Helsinki, performing alongside ensembles like the Amaya Trio.
As a soloist, she has made her mark by performing Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the Haifa Symphony Orchestra, and she has been featured in various distinguished venues such as the Berlin Philharmonie foyer and the Juilliard School of Music. An educator as well, Batia has taught at the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation in Mumbai and held teaching positions at the International Tabeetha School in Jaffa. Her academic achievements include a B.Mus with honors from the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music and a Performer’s Diploma from the prestigious Jacobs School of Music in Indiana.
The synergy between Pantxoa and Batia is evident in their performances, which blend technical mastery with emotive storytelling. Their collaboration has enriched the classical music landscape, resonating deeply with audiences in their live concerts. As they continue to explore new repertoire and further develop their artistic partnership, Pantxoa Urtizberea and Batia Murvitz are poised to make significant contributions to the world of chamber music, sharing their passion and creativity with a growing audience.