Celebrating the Nobel Laureate: A Musical Journey Through Latin America's Literary Masterpieces

An international music series this month will offer three concerts in Indiana celebrating the work of Latin America's first Nobel laureate for literature. The series, organized by the city-based nonprofit Bridging Worlds, will feature the composition "Canturia de Mi Sangre," or "Song of my Blood," based on the poems of Gabriela Mistral, the Chilean author who won the Nobel Prize in 1945.

Unlocking the Poetic Essence of Latin America's Literary Icon

Bringing Mistral's Poetic Legacy to Life

The "Canturia de Mi Sangre" concert series is a unique opportunity for audiences in Indiana to experience the musical interpretation of Gabriela Mistral's poetry. Composed by Luis "Kike" Galdames, the work features nine of Mistral's poems, showcasing the depth and beauty of her literary masterpieces. Mistral, who lived from 1889 to 1957, is widely celebrated throughout the world, particularly in South America, for her profound and evocative writings.Kelsie Murray Godoy, the executive director of Bridging Worlds, emphasizes the significance of this series, stating, "She's very well known and celebrated throughout the world, but especially in South America." Godoy, who lived in Santiago, Chile, for several years and completed her master's degree there, has a deep connection to the country's rich cultural heritage. It was through her personal connections that she became aware of Galdames' work and the opportunity to bring this unique musical experience to Indiana.

Bridging Cultures and Connecting Communities

The "Canturia de Mi Sangre" concert series is the first time Bridging Worlds has worked with artists on a P-3 visa, a classification reserved for individuals "coming temporarily to perform, teach or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, under a program that is culturally unique." This process allows the organization to carefully select and curate the cultural experiences it presents, ensuring that the audiences in Indiana have the opportunity to witness something truly exceptional.Godoy explains the significance of this approach, stating, "That creates a unique opportunity for Indiana audiences, because these free concerts might be the only chance for people in the U.S. to experience 'Canturia de Mi Sangre.'" The concerts will feature a diverse array of instruments, including the pan flute, cajon peruano, and bongos, which many in the Midwest may not have had the chance to experience live before.

Fostering Cross-Cultural Connections and Artistic Collaborations

Bridging Worlds has a track record of presenting international concerts and fostering connections between local and global artists. In the 2023 international concert at Allen County Public Library, the organization featured the work of Chilean guitar composer Daniel Delgado, who is now collaborating with a Trine University professor on a cross-cultural piece titled "Kekionga." This project involves artists in both northeast Indiana and South America, with sound engineers and producers exchanging tracks virtually.Godoy emphasizes the importance of these connections, stating, "These are ripple effects of the concerts and workshops that we have been working really hard to create in our attempt to uplift the artists and make connections and networks across countries and cultures." The "Canturia de Mi Sangre" concert series is the latest example of Bridging Worlds' commitment to fostering cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.

Enriching the Community with Art and Culture

Beyond the concerts themselves, the "Canturia de Mi Sangre" series includes additional community engagement elements. In North Manchester, the Honeywell Arts & Entertainment's CommUNITY Arts Program welcomed students and community members for a free art class, where they created paintings inspired by Chilean artist Karen Pinto De La Calle, known as Monroe. The artwork will be displayed at the North Manchester concert.At the Purdue University Fort Wayne concert, the La Pupuseria Latin Delights food truck will be present, and there will be a "meet and mingle" session with Galdames and Gonzalez after the performance. These additional elements aim to immerse the audience in the rich cultural tapestry of Latin America and provide a more holistic experience.Godoy's favorite Mistral quote, "You shall create beauty not to excite the senses, but to give sustenance to the soul," encapsulates the essence of the "Canturia de Mi Sangre" concert series. By bringing this unique musical interpretation of Mistral's poetry to Indiana, Bridging Worlds hopes to nourish the souls of the community and inspire a deeper appreciation for the artistic and literary treasures of Latin America.