Mariana Montalvo

Like many of her compatriots from Chile, Mariana Montalvo was forced into a life of exile. Although she has been living in France since the days of Pinochet, Montalvo's connection to her roots has remained strong. Her music provides fresh interpretations of the folk music of Chile in the tradition of legendary Latin American singers such as Victor Jara, Violetta Para and Mercedes Sosa. Montalvo's original compositions feature instantly accessible melodies and unique instrumentation such as the South American charango (guitar), quena (panpipes), and the trombone, which reflects the influence of Andean brass bands on Montalvo's arrangements. For many years, she was a member of the popular group Los Machucambos, which is famed throughout Europe for their faithful interpretations of South American traditional music.

”Her light, accessible voice floats easily over the churning rhythms and meticulously chosen tone colors.”
- All Music Guide