Amigos de la Memoria* of Edmonton is proud to present two important musical pieces that tell stories of Chilean history; Canto Para Una Semilla (A song for a seed) and La Cantata Santa Maria de iquique (The Siege of Santa Maria de Iquique).

Canto Para Una Semilla (A song for a Seed)

Violeta del Carmen Parra Sandoval was a Chilean composer, folk singer, and social activist, best known as one of the founders of the politically inflected Nueva Canción (“New Song”) movement. In addition, she painted, wrote poetry, sculpted, and wove arpilleras (folk tapestries). Her best-known song, Gracias a la Vida (“Thanks to Life”), endures as a beloved and poignant folk song. Canto para una semilla is a 1972 cantata composed by Luis Advis, a noted composer of traditional and New Chilean music, based on the autobiographical décimas –a 10-line poetic stanza– of Violeta Parra. Originally performed by Isabel Parra (her daughter) and the chilean group Inti-Illimani, it is an elegy that narrates the life, childhood, love, and pain of the Chilean artist.

This moving piece integrates folk rhythms with orchestral elements. It is considered a masterpiece that captures the essence of Violeta Parra, combining the poetry of her verses with music.

Cantata Santa Maria de Iquique (The Siege of Santa Maria de Iquique)

Cantata Santa María de Iquique (1970) is a musical work also composed by Luis Advis. Originally performed by the Chilean ensamble Quilapayún, the work alternates spoken narratives and songs. It became an emblem of the social struggle and of Popular Unity, standing out for its social denunciation character and its union of cultured and popular music. It recounts the brutal massacre of more than 3,000 miners and their families in 1907, blending folklore, classical music, and dramatic narrative.

For the first time ever, this music collective will be performing accompanied by dancers who will help navigate a story that should not be forgotten. 

* Amigos de la Memoria of Edmonton is an initiative made up of individuals and local artists whose purpose is to preserve and share latin american culture and history through the lens of music and arts.