Lovers of Andean music certainly know Los Calchakis. After a long absence, the group is resurfacing. This time, far from the tumult of the large halls the group was used to until now. On the contrary, in a modest church to perform sacred songs — in their own style, as expected — as a return to their roots.
A lyrical show in a church… A coincidence? Definitely not! It is also not the proximity of Christmas that dictated this choice. The final stretch? Certainly not! In a deeply religious South American continent, the descendants of the Indians transform, arrange, and transcend the Catholic religion to make it a tribute to traditional music.
Los Calchakis are not angelic. Do not expect to hear a mass but rather a deeply unique musical piece. The sounds of Andean pan flutes — Siku, Antara, Tarka — the cuatro, and the Charango are carried by a quartet of velvet voices. An innovative and moving composition that draws from the very roots of the Amerindian continent to oppose the glaring North American modernity.
The Journey
Created by Hector Miranda in 1960, Los Calchakis have a long love story with the music of their continent. Holders of many music awards, they received the Grand Prix du Disque from the Charles Cros Academy in 1970 for their first LP with Arion. This was followed by several gold records in France, Spain, and Mexico. Composed of three Argentinians and one Chilean, this quartet traverses the world’s largest halls — the Olympia, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Victoria Hall, the Lisner Auditorium, the Tivoli, the Monumental… In the meantime, they answered Costa Gavras’ call to compose the soundtrack for “State of Siege.” To honor their journey, a Canadian critic wrote: “The Calchakis have mastered the art of pleasing without showboating.”
Los Calchakis perform “Misa Criolla” by Ariel Ramirez
In Nice: Sunday, December 10 at 3:30 PM
Saint Jean-Baptiste Church
2, Rue Alfred Mortier
In Cannes: Saturday, December 9 at 8:30 PM
Notre Dame de l’Espérance Church
At Le Suquet
More Information:
04 89 01 98 69 / 04 93 80 62 30
