Since settling here in London as a political refugee following the violent coup of 11th September 1973, Mauricio Venegas-Astorga has established himself as one of the UK’s most respected and talented Latin American composers and performers. For this very special performance in the intimate surroundings of the Green Note he will be launching with his band QUIMANTU the new recording of his Misa de los Mineros – Miner’s Mass. The concert will feature songs from Victor Jara and Violeta Parra alongside works from Mauricio’s own catalogue chosen to highlight the voice of the musician-artist as one of hope and optimism that sustains us in a troubled world.
With their hallmark finely honed arrangements for Latin American strings (charango, ronrocco, cuatro), violin, viola, cello and Latin and Andean percussion Quimantu dazzles audiences with virtuosic instrumentals and passionately expressive vocals. Mauricio leads with a panoply of instruments and his characteristic tenor vocals, alongside the sultry and enigmatic voice of Laura Venegas-Rojas, also on Kala U-bass and percussion. These are complemented by the skilful talents and emotive string playing of Rachel Pantin on violin and viola, Emma Purslow also on violin and Jobine Siekman on cello.
The Misa de los Mineros comes from an old Latin American tradition of writers, poets, musicians, teachers and students using their culture, literature and music as tools for the political education of people attempting to create spiritual beauty as the first step leading to social beauty. The new recording being launched of Misa de los Mineros is the product of a wonderful collaboration between Quimantu and the Andover Museum Loft Singers with members of the Cecil Sharp House Choir.
Doors open 7pm. Music starts 8.30pm. The venue is mixed seated and standing. Tables are limited and available on a first come first served basis so, if you’d like a seat, we recommend arriving early!
