A Burnaby production company is bringing a celebrated Chilean ensemble to the stage in Vancouver.
Burnaby's Brisa Productions is presenting a rare Canadian performance by Inti-Illimani at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts on April 24.
The concert, which marks the group's 45th anniversary, is set for 8 p.m.
Inti-Illimani began in 1967, started by a group of students at the Universidad Técnica del Estado at Santiago in Chile.
In 1973, while they were touring abroad, General Augusto Pinochet led the military coup that deposed the elected government of Salvador Allende. Knowing of the killings of many fellow artists by the army, Inti-Illimani took up residence in Italy and went on what they've termed "the longest tour in history" for the next 15 years, advocating internationally to put an end to military dictatorship in Chile.
In September 1988 they were able to return to their native country, and they continued their activism to help vote down a referendum that would have consolidated Pinochet's power.
Since then, the eight-member ensemble has continued to tour internationally and create new work. Their 45th anniversary showcase will feature work that spans the years of their existence.
Burnaby resident Waldo Brino - principal of Brisa Productions - has longstanding ties to Inti-Illimani, as he was the manager of the group from 1993 to 1997.
See www.chancentre.com for more.
