PASSION is the key to writing and performing music and Mauricio Venegas has plenty of it.
As the Chilean speaks of musical crusades to unite the world in peace and encourage racial harmony through music, his enthusiasm is contagious and his up-coming performance at Huntingdon Hall with John Williams, arguably the world's most famous classical guitarist, should prove to be sensational
Arriving in England in 1977, as a political refugee of the Pinochet dictatorship, Venegas discovered to his delight a wealth of British folk music and the multi-cultural opportunities the city of London has to offer.
The colourful landscape of London enabled him to deepen his knowledge and historical perspective of his own musical roots and develop an experience of other musical styles that would be the envy of any ethnomusicologist.
"In Chile everyone plays an instrument and writes poetry, we are born listening to music, folk music is part of our lives," he said.
"I am very happy I ended up in England because London especially has access to such a wealth of museums, instruments, and communities from different countries. I love to continually learn from other races and share thoughts."
Venegas directs the Latin American group Quimantu, which is visiting Worcester next month to perform with John Williams. In the ancient language of the Mapuche Indians Quimantu translates as "the people of the land" colloquially used to mean culture and wisdom.
The group began 21 years ago and has grown and developed, incorporating instruments and influences of countries around the world from Thailand to Ireland into what is popularly known as Britain's leading South American folk group.
The concert at Huntingdon Hall will mix a spicy selection of South American rhythms with the unique classical talents of John Williams.
Williams is guest artist on the tour and a personal friend of Venegas.
"John is a fantastic human being, a wonderful performer and the best classical guitarist in the world," he said.
"He is a pioneer for doing something a little bit different with world music within the classical sphere.
"His passion is for music and knowledge not money. As a performer he does not need to prove anything so is true to the music and its structure."
Australian born guitarist John Williams has hundreds of recordings to his name.
Cavatina, from his first album on electric guitar Changes, made the Top 20 in 1979 as the theme for the film The Deer Hunter. The compilation Bridges reached number five in its wake.
On forming the group Sky he became part of the first rock group ever to play in Westminster Abbey. Honoured with an OBE in 1980, Williams remained with Sky until 1983, when re returned to the classical world.
Quimantu consists of three Chilean and three English members all multi-talented in a variety of instruments including violin, Celtic harp, mandolin, crumhorn and saxophone. Mauricio's regard for them is obvious.
"The group form a very solid group of people that are not only united by the music they play but by the idea of how music should be a tool to unite people regardless of race or sex," said Venegas.
"In the times that we live it is necessary to express our will of uniting people and live in harmony with our neighbours."
Quimantu and John Williams will be performing at Huntington Hall on Thursday, November 27, at 8pm. Tickets are £16 and available from the box office or telephone 01905 611427.
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