Universidad de Santiago Announces Extensive Free Concert Series for 2026
Santiago, Chile – The Universidad de Santiago (USACH) is set to offer a vibrant and accessible cultural season in 2026, featuring over 50 free concerts, a unique live-scored film cycle and a range of community-focused musical activities throughout the Metropolitan Region. The announcement, made during a recent ceremony attended by university officials and outgoing Minister of Cultures, Arts and Heritage Carolina Arredondo Marzán, underscores the university’s commitment to democratizing access to music and fostering artistic engagement within the community. The initiative similarly benefits from a newly secured permanent budget allocation, ensuring sustained support for the university’s musical ensembles.
Minister Arredondo Marzán, in what was her final day in office, highlighted the significant increase in cultural funding under the Gabriel Boric administration and specifically noted the importance of the USACH’s ensembles. She emphasized that the university’s Aula Magna theater has become a cultural hub in Estación Central and surrounding areas. According to the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, the number of professional orchestras receiving direct funding has increased from six to one per region during the current administration. This shift, she explained, allows for greater stability and long-term planning for these vital cultural institutions.
The USACH’s artistic offerings are spearheaded by the University of Santiago Orchestra, Syntagma Musicum, and the Sinfónico, Madrigalista, and Polifónico Integral choirs. Aula Records, the university’s record label established in 2019, will also be releasing new recordings throughout the year. Dr. Mauricio Guerra Velásquez, USACH’s Vice-Rector for External Relations, stated that the goal of these artistic groups is to broaden access to written musical traditions, attracting diverse audiences beyond the university community. “These are open and free concerts,” he said, adding that the season will feature both classical works and compositions by emerging Chilean artists.
A Diverse Program of Musical Performances
The 2026 season will showcase twelve programs led by a roster of guest conductors, including Nicolás Rauss, Tobías Volkmann, David Navarro, Rodolfo Fischer, Christian Lorca, Francisco Núñez, Virginia Vergara, Cristóbal González, and Jonathan Ávila Narea. The repertoire will span a wide range of styles and periods, from the grandeur of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Triple Concerto to selections from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and a dedicated program exploring the works of Johannes Brahms. The university is also committed to supporting Chilean composers, with premieres planned for works by Aliocha Solovera, Mario Mora, Juan Manuel Quinteros, David Serendero, and Karla Schüller.
The season will kick off on April 1st at the Aula Magna Theater with a performance of an expanded version of Víctor Jara, un canto libre, an orchestration by Sergio “Tilo” González, featuring the Sinfónico Choir. Following this premiere, the orchestra will embark on a series of outreach performances in various communities within the Metropolitan Region, including Independencia, Cerro Navia, La Granja, and Santiago. Educational initiatives will also be a key component, with a revival of the popular children’s production, Perico trepa por Chile.
Choirs Celebrate Milestones and Expand Reach
The Sinfónico Choir will celebrate its 70th anniversary with two dedicated programs, as well as collaborative performances with the Madrigalista Choir. Both choirs will pay tribute to composer Tomás Lefever and conductor Santiago Marín, and, for the first time, will extend their performances beyond Santiago with an outreach tour throughout the Metropolitan Region. Syntagma Musicum, specializing in early music, will present eight performances, including Chilidúgú: pasado y presente, a program exploring the musical traditions of the Chiloé missions, and a premiere by Chilean composer Tomás Brantmayer.
Adding a unique dimension to the season, the fifth edition of the Fantastic Film Festival will feature live musical accompaniment to five films from the 1930s, with original scores commissioned from Chilean composers. This initiative highlights the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary artistic collaborations and providing opportunities for emerging talent.
Aula Records Continues to Champion Chilean Music
Aula Records, the USACH’s record label, founded in 2019, will continue its mission of recording and disseminating Chilean musical heritage. Aula Records currently features a diverse catalog of artists, including René Silva, Sergio “Tilo” González, Christian Vásquez, Valeria Valle, and Horacio Salinas. The label’s work is crucial in preserving and promoting the rich musical landscape of Chile, offering a platform for both established and emerging artists. The label’s catalog includes recordings with the Usach Classical Orchestra, such as “La rosa de los…” (details on this recording are limited in available sources).
The Universidad de Santiago’s 2026 season promises a rich and diverse cultural experience for audiences across the Metropolitan Region. By offering free access to high-quality musical performances and actively engaging with local communities, USACH is solidifying its role as a vital cultural institution in Chile. Further details regarding specific concert dates and locations will be announced on the university’s website, www.usach.cl, and through its social media channels. The next confirmed event is the premiere of Víctor Jara, un canto libre on April 1st at the Aula Magna Theater.
What are your thoughts on the USACH’s commitment to free cultural access? Share your comments below and help spread the word about this exciting season of music!