The US is a cultural exporter, and often times, we don’t do a great job of importing. I find it fascinating and valuable, as an American, to seek out stories from around the world. As a American choir director, it is easy to assume that the way choral music functions in our culture is “normal.”

So, let’s broaden our horizons by talking with Javiera Lara Salvador, a talented choral conductor from Chile, who brings valuable insights about choral music and education in her country. Javiera walks me through her journey, beginning with her discovery of singing in school and continuing to her studies in choral conducting in Santiago. She shares how choral music education in Chile offers unique pathways, though opportunities, such as full-time choir teaching, remain limited to nonexistent .

We also explored the vibrant choral scene in Santiago, including community choirs supported by local municipalities, and the fascinating repertoire that blends traditional Chilean music with influences from around the world. We discuss her work with “Voces de Vitacura,” a community choir with members spanning generations, and University Choir at the University of Adolfo Ibáñez and the Taktus Ensemble.

Our discussion touched on the parallels and contrasts between music education in Chile and the United States, highlighting the privilege of access to music education and the universal challenges faced by choir directors. Javiera even shared her enthusiasm for Latin American composers like Modesta Bor and Cesar Alejandro Carrillo, sparking a discussion about the joy of integrating diverse musical traditions, and pushing boundaries of the art form while honoring its traditions.

If you’ve ever been curious about the global choral community or want to celebrate the joy of making music with others, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!

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Choirs recommended by Javiera:

Ignis Camerata

Coro de Camara de Copiapó

Conjunto de Madrigalistas de Viña del Mar

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Javiera Lara Salvador is a renowned choral conductor with an outstanding academic background. She began her career by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory from the University of Chile, followed by a specialization leading to the Professional Title of Choral Conductor. She later pursued a Master’s in Musical Arts with a focus on Choral Conducting at Universidad Mayor, graduating with the highest distinction.

Javiera is the founder and current leader of the Taktus Vocal Ensemble, a group dedicated to performing diverse vocal repertoire ranging from classical to popular and folkloric-rooted music, with a strong emphasis on works from the 19th century to contemporary creations. She also directs the Adolfo Ibáñez University Choir, a group she has led since 2022, bringing together students, faculty, and staff through choral singing.

She serves as Associate Director and Coordinator of the team of conductors for the “Voces de Vitacura” Community Choir, a program of the Vitacura Cultural Corporation that annually offers over 200 local residents the experience of performing in a large choral concert. Additionally, Javiera has worked as Choirmaster for the productions of Lord of the Rings in Concert and Gladiator Live, held at Movistar Arena.

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A significant part of her career has been dedicated to premiering works by renowned Chilean and Latin American composers at prestigious festivals and events, such as the CopiU Festival, the Contemporary Music Festival of the University of Chile’s Music Department, and the Sacred Music Encounter at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.

In the field of education, Javiera has built a solid career in institutions such as the Music Institute of Universidad Alberto Hurtado, where she currently teaches, as well as the Music Institute of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and the Music Department of the Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences. She has taught both theoretical music subjects and courses in choral practice and conducting.

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As the founder of the Taktus Cultural Foundation, Javiera stands out as a leader in the development and promotion of choral music in Chile.

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