Quilapayún

Formed in Chile back in 1965, the ensemble known as Quilapayun began with the efforts of Julio Carrasco, Eduardo Carrasco, and Julio Numhauser, soon incorporating Patricio Castillo into its ranks. From the outset, the group’s songs drew upon themes of social concern within the nation, blending these with traditional local musical elements. The year 1966 saw the group secure the top position at the Festival de Festivales, coinciding with the issuance of their debut album. Assistance came from folk singer and songwriter Víctor Jara, who championed Quilapayun’s work and collaborated on the album Canciones Folklóricas de América. Around the period when Julio Numhauser chose to depart, Carlos Quezada and Guillermo Oddo stepped in to fill the void. Serving as an emissary for Chilean New Song, Quilapayun embarked on its inaugural European tour during 1968. Following the exit of Julio Carrasco, the configuration shifted with the addition of Hernán Gómez and Rodolfo Parada. In response to the evolving political and societal landscape in Chile during the early 1970s, the collective took up residence abroad, remaining there for over ten years.