Heritage Program

In November 2021, The Singular Patagonia launched a special program called Echoes of the Wind. Taking place over two days, Echoes of the Wind marked the first time ever that the Teatro Municipal, National Opera of Chile traveled to Patagonia for a series of concerts - one concert exclusively for guests of The Singular Patagonia and another concert open to the public, along with the Children’s Orchestra of Puerto Natales. 

Interview Esteban Vergara Soto, first fiddle. 

For me, the concerts we held in Puerto Natales were interesting encounters with post-pandemic music. During the preparation there was a lot of anticipation leading up to performing live after a long time and, even more, being away from home. After being in lockdown for so long, performing these concerts made me feel like I was playing live for the first time. It was wonderful and also confirmed why I am on this path. The meaning of this concert is a reconciliation with my love of music.

What was the most impressive thing about the experience of being able to perform in front of the community of Puerto Natales?

Experiencing different regions is always impressive, either because of the climates, people, architecture, etc. In my personal experience, I had never been to Puerto Natales and, as is almost always the case, the trip was to make music. Therefore, the relationship with the people was from a musician to the community, which is presenting something. We had the mission and also the duty to share our concert with the community of Puerto Natales. I remember inviting chefs from restaurants, vendors from artisan shops, people on the streets and sharing a bit with the community, and one of the things that made me very sad was that they didn't have many cultural activities of this type. Even so, it was a beautiful experience. The community received it with great enthusiasm and attention, and in that aspect we feel very good about our work.

What is the most significant memory you take with you from encounters with children? Could you recognize in any of them the dream of one day becoming the first violin of the Chamber Orchestra of the Municipal Theater as you did?

One of the things that most caught my attention was the enthusiasm they showed and how humble they were in participating in the orchestra. They did not have the implemented hierarchy of the classical world of the orchestra, in which the first violin is the person with the greatest responsibility after the director, and his tasks, such as tuning or giving directions to his row. It was very enriching to see how, although they were nervous, they took the lead to give ideas or change an arc that would benefit them. They did a very nice job. There were many who were moved by our work and told me that they would like to become part of the orchestra. One commented, shyly with nervous laughter, that he would like to be concertmaster (first violin) of the Municipal Theater Chamber Orchestra.