The txalaparta is a specialized Basque percussion instrument made of wood or stone. Juan Mari Beltran was born in Donostia-San Sebastíán and is one of the most prominent figures in this Basque folk music. He started playing the clarinet at the age of 11 and also played another interesting Basque wind instrument, the txistu. At the age of 16, he became a member of the folk music ensemble Argia. During his musical life he has worked with many folk musicians, including “txalapartarik”, or txalaparta artists.
