Reviews: Concert

Latin loving

The name Violeta Parra may sound unfamiliar to many Chinese but not for long.

To commemorate the Chilean singer born 90 years ago, the Chilean Embassy in Beijing and the Central Conservatory of Music organized a concert last week.

Parra set the basis for New Song La Nueva Cancin chilena a renewal and a reinvention of Chilean folk music, which would absorb and extend its influence far beyond Chile. Her most renowned song, Gracias A la Vida (Thanks to Life), was popularized throughout Latin America by Mercedes Sosa and later in the US by Joan Baez. It remains one of the most covered Latin American songs in history.

Students of the Central Conservatory performed Parra's signature songs and also interpreted her music with traditional Chinese instruments, such as dizi (bamboo flute) and yangqin (dulcimer). They were joined by Violeta Parra's son Angel Parra, who performed a selection of his mother's classics.

Mu Qian

(China Daily 04/10/2007 page20)