Early & World Programmes

The Frozen Jewel of Potosi

Using a vast array of instruments from highland Bolivia and renaissance Spain, this programme explores the European invasion of the Andes from an indigenous Andean perspective. The silver mines of Potosi, Bolivia - one of the world highest cities - were the richest the world has ever known, making this Imperial City the jewel in the Spanish crown. (It was to prop up the Spanish economy for several centuries and fuelled the European industrial revolution.)

Indians drafted in from the surrounding countryside worked Potosi’s mines and the city was a wild and exhuberant cultural melting pot. This fascinating and dramatic programme, based on extensive original research, is ordered according to the seasonal cycle of music from the rural communities around Potosi today.

Fascinating connections and reciprocal influences between sixteenth century Spanish `art' music and continuing folk traditions in both Spain and the Bolivian Andes. This programme was awarded an Early Music Network Tour in 1992.

The Inkas' Golden Ransom

The extraordinary story of the Spanish invasion of the Andes has continued to fascinate Andean and European peoples alike. In several parts of the Andes these events were traditionally recounted in indigenous plays in Quechua, the Inca language, which took place during festivals together with music and dance. Sirinu’s version of this tale interweaves Andean myth with the accounts of Spanish chroniclers. Based on extensive original research in the Andes, this powerful and dramatic concert brings together a diverse array of music and instruments from the rural Andes and renaissance Spain.

Another programme using world
music instruments:

Drakes Progress