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In
Quichua, the nearly forgotten language of the Incas of Puruhua,
Tahuantinsuyo, “Duchicela” (Tu chi se la), means
“The Mountain Lion who led the people to their homeland.”
Duchicela's members are Puruhua and from the central part of Ecuador. Their pure, hauntingly beautiful, and sensual music captivates all ages and audiences. Duchicela's traditional style and repertoire, with their roots in pre-Incan civilizations, provides a fascinating insight into the music of thousands of years ago when hundreds of musicians played their flutes and other ancient instruments during their religious ceremonies and festivals.
Duchicela has traveled extensively throughout the U.S.A and Europe since 1990 and this has resulted in their unique sound and versatility of style. Their use of the various types of flutes, along with string and percussion instruments has created a repertoire that incorporates the most traditional music of the Andes mountain region with Latin and world classics.
Over the
years, the group's repertoire has evolved from purely traditional
Andean music to a delightful blend of both traditional and
contemporary works. Their first two recordings, "Music
of the Andes" and "Cacha Fiesta" present
the most traditional form of their music. Their
third release, "Illusion of Fire," provides a fusion
of traditional music with more modern selections by well-known
contemporary composers. Their latest release "Melodies
From the Heart, " combines the instruments of the Andes
with world recognized music.
Historical
Group
Duchicela
is not just a musical group, but a corporation formed in 1980
by its young members as a cultural organization in Cacha and
approved by the country of Ecuador. It is recognized by the
Ecuadorian government and is a registered organization with
the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education and Culture.
The Cacha
culture has survived conquests by the Incas and the Spanish.
In 1980, Cacha became independent as the first self-ruling
indigenous group in Ecuador. Modern life is eroding some traditions
and the young often leave for jobs in the cities. Thus, Duchicela’s
goal is to help the indigenous communities of Ecuador maintain
their cultural uniqueness while helping them improve their
quality of life.
In addition to
keeping the music alive through performances, Duchicela also has written a book
to document and preserve the songs of the Chimborazo Mountain
people. It is called Chimborazoca Caipimi, or the Chimborazo
Mountain’s Presence. It is written in Quichua, the native
language of the Puruhua.
In 1990,
the Smithsonian Institute invited Duchicela to their Festival
of Struggle held in Washington DC. Since then, Duchicela has
toured each year outside of their country to foster awareness
of their culture. During the past 12 years, the ensemble has
performed in several countries including North America, South
America and Europe, participating in major art, folk and world
music festivals. Here in the U.S.A., they are recognized by
the American Federation of Musicians as meeting the standards
of cultural uniqueness and they complement their concert appearances
with educational activities.
Here
are a few performance highlights:
World Performances:
1. Foderuma
A program of Ecuadorian cultural presentations produced together
with the Central Bank of Ecuador and the House of Ecuadorian
Culture, a government cultural institute.
2. Ecuadorian Concert Tours
Tours in the big cities of Quito and Guayaquil were sponsored
by the Central Bank of Ecuador
3. Navajo Concerts and Workshops
Concerts and workshops for the Navajo communities in Arizona
and New Mexico, USA.
4. Annual Festival of the Independence of Ecuador
Held on August 10th and sponsored by the House of Ecuador
in San Diego, California, USA.
5. 77th Celebration of the International year of the Worlds
Indigenous People
An exhibit of arts and crafts called “Viva Cacha”
was part of this celebration and held at the Museum of Man
in San Diego, California, USA.
6. Cultural Concert of Indigenous and Andean Music
La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley, California, USA.
7. 1990 Smithsonian Institute Festival of American Folk Life
and Music
held in Washington D.C., USA.
Hawaii
Performances:
1. Sold Out Hawaii Public Radio Concert at the Atherton Performing
Arts Studio
2. 8th Annual Great Hawaii Jazz Blow Out
3. Kapiolani Community College’s 16th Annual International
Festival
4. Windward Community College
Sponsored by the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council
5. Leeward Community College
Sponsored by the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council
6. Cinco de Mayo Festival
Sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic
Center of Hawaii
7. Mayor’s Aloha Music Break Concerts at Tamarind Park
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