The iconic Anglo-Chilean band Quimantú, which has shaped the musical scene for over four decades, is embarking on an extraordinary journey across the UK with their Surtierra Touring Project. This ambitious series will feature 10 concerts of "The Miners´ Mass" in collaboration with community choirs, creating a powerful cultural bridge through music.

A unique cultural collabrotaion

This remarkable ensemble is the culmination of immense community engagement, with 200 local singers performing the entire concert in Spanish. The performers hail from Hampshire, Dorset and Sussex, working alongside professional musicians to create an immersive musical prayer which transcends language barriers.

The Tour will culminate during Refuge Week 2025 with two closing concerts at the renowned ‘Actors’ church St Paul´s Covent Garden. This timing is significant as the entire project is a moving tribute to those who have been forced to leave their homes and carry profound sorrow with them.

Music as a Bridge between Cultures

Author of the Miners´ Mass is Mauricio Venegas-Astorga, the founder of Quimantú. Mauricio escaped dictatorship five decades ago under the rule of Augusto Pinochet, culminating in him finding the United Kingdom as his home. Through this work, the band seeks to challenge stigmas associated with immigration caused by war, persecution, or poverty.

The piece tells the story of Chilean coal miners who cried out for dignity and light amidst the darkness of underground tunnels. This powerful prayer for justice and humanity resonates globally and will now echo across the UK through diverse voices united in Spanish song.

In this sense the music takes on a profound meaning of healing wounds, uniting communities, establishing roots, forming connections. The project is a celebration where music and sense of finding a home come together in a unique set of work.

The Journey Has Begun

The Surtierra project is already in progress, with workshops and rehearsals successfully taking place across the participating communities. This grassroots approach ensures that each performance will be deeply rooted in local participation while connecting to the universal themes of the music.

Audiences can anticipate a heartfelt, multi-faceted experience that unites professional musicians and community voices in a celebration of resilience, cultural exchange, and the universal language of music.

Tour Dates and Locations

Friday 4 April Blandford Parish Church, North Dorset
Featuring: Quimantú & Alkyona Quartet, Palida Choir and Shaftesbury School Choir

BOOK TICKETS

Saturday 5 April St Paul´s Church, Churchside
Chichester
Featuring: Quimantú & WemsFest Choir & Alkyona Quartet
BOOK TICKETS

Friday 9 May
Park Community School
Leigh Park, Havant
Featuring: Quimantú & Alkyona Quartet and the WemsFest Community Choir

BOOK TICKETS

Sunday 11 May
St Mary´s Church Cerne Abbas, Dorset
Featuring: Quimantú & Alkyona Quartet & Cloud 9 Chorus

TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON

Saturday 14 June Portsmouth Cathedral, Old Portsmouth

Featuring: Quimantú & Alkyona Quartet and WemsFest Community Choir

BOOK TICKETS

Sunday 15 June The Exchange
Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, Dorset
Featuring: Quimantú & Alkyona Quartet, Palida Choir, Cloud 9 Chorus and Shaftesbury School Choir

TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON

Friday 20 June
St Paul´s Church, Covent Garden
Bedford Street, London
Featuring: Quimantú & Alkyona Quartet
BOOK TICKETS

Saturday 21 June
St Paul´s Church, Covent Garden
Bedford Street, London
Featuring: Quimantú & Alkyona Quartet
BOOK TICKETS

The Surtierra Touring Project is proudly supported by Arts Council England and the Foyle Foundation.

For interviews with Quimantú musicians or to arrange special coverage during rehearsals and concerts, please contact Diana Massis at [email protected] or call 07568919354.

Listen to The Miners´ Mass on Spotify and watch the promotional video here.