Musical tribute to Mapuche resistance

Musical Ensemble Forestare Debuts Tribute to Mapuche ResistanceTwelve guitars, two basses, a blend of contemporary and historical themes, topped off by a sampling of Native American food. It’s a fitting evening to preview the Montreal First Peoples’ Festival, kicks off tonight, August 1, with a benefit concert to raise funds for those who have traveled from remote communities to participate in the festival, which officially starts on August 2.

Under the theme “in praise of Amerindian Resistance,” the ensemble Forestare will present the Canadian premiere of Arauco por Fuerte, Principal y Poderosa, by Chilean composer Javier Farías, a work in eight movements for guitars and double bass that was inspired by an epic poem by Alonso de Ercilla (1533–1594), a tribute to the Mapuche people’s resistance during the Conquest.Comment:  For more on the Mapuche, see The Only Native Country and Indians Fight Back in Latin America.

Below:  "The musical ensemble Forestare rehearses Arauco por Fuerte, Principal y Poderosa for its August 1 debut at the Montreal First Peoples' Festival."