When Music is Home
Quimantú presents the Surtierra Touring Project in Dorset
In a unique project developed with Dorset arts charity Artsreach, the iconic Anglo-Chilean band Quimantú is collaborating with community singers from several Dorset choirs to perform Misa de los Mineros, ‘The Miners’ Mass’, in a series of concerts across the county.
Five decades ago, Mauricio Venegas-Astorga escaped from the Pinochet dictatorship in Chile and made the UK his home. Quimantú, has shaped the musical scene for over four decades and now, through the Surtierra Project, they seek to break the stigmas associated with immigration caused by war, persecution, or poverty.
The Misa de los Mineros is a powerful musical piece, fusing elements of British culture with profound Latin American roots. Composed by Mauricio in 1998, the work was conceived as a prayer of the coal miners in Chile, who cried out for dignity and light amidst the darkness of the underground tunnels. This powerful musical piece, in its new symphonic choral version from 2023, is a plea for justice and humanity that remains alive in the world and on this tour across the UK.
In partnership with Artsreach, Quimantu has had the joy of sharing the passion of music with several community choirs: Palida from Shaftesbury, Shaftesbury School Choir and Dorchester’s Cloud 9 Chorus, as well as with choirs in Hampshire and Sussex.
Following first half performances of ‘The Miners’ Mass’, the series of three Dorset concerts will all feature different choirs and repertoire and will be a tribute to those who are forced to leave their homeland. The tour will culminate in two major concerts in London during Refugee Week 2025, at the famed St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden.
Kerry Bartlett, Executive Director Artsreach, commented: “When Quimantú approached us about the Surtierra project, we were thrilled to be able to give Dorset singers the opportunity to work alongside this acclaimed group of musicians. Community projects such as this can have such a profound effect on the people who take part.”
The first concert takes place in Blandford Parish Church on Friday 4 April and features the singers of Palida Choir and Shaftesbury School Choir. The concert’s second half will feature music from Quimantu’s compelling repertoire of Latin American and world music alongside songs from Palida Choir, led by Karen Wimhurst.
The concert in Cerne Abbas on Sunday 11 May will be the finale event of the Cerne Giant Festival. Specially programmed repertoire for the second half will reflect the festival’s celebration of ‘humanity in the landscape’ and will feature songs from Cloud 9 Chorus, led by Kathie Prince.
The project culminates with a concert at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton on Sunday 15 June, with more than 80 singers from all participating Dorset choirs taking to the stage alongside Quimantu.
Mauricio Venegas-Astorga, Director of Quimantú said: “It’s wonderful to bring the Surtierra project to Dorset; having performed here over the years we have good friends and are delighted by how the local singers are embracing the music of the Misa de los Mineros. This is exactly what we hoped the project would achieve – sharing music and culture and building bridges between communities.”
Hear the iconic Anglo-Chilean band Quimantú and singers from across Dorset performing Misa de los Mineros, ‘The Miners’ Mass’, this spring. Tickets and further information are available at www.artsreach.co.uk
- Fri 4 Apr, 7:30pm. Blandford Parish Church. 01305 269512
- Sun 11 May, 6pm. St Mary’s Church Cerne Abbas. 07823 778758
- Sun 15 June, 3pm. The Exchange, Sturminster Newton. 01258 475137
www.artsreach.co.uk