Album Notes

Francesca began composing music at the age of 9 but didn't receive her first music lesson until she was 15. By 19 she was already winning awards and performing professionally not only in South America but also in Europe and North America. She studied jazz guitar under several masters and plays cello and piano as well. While earning her Bachelor's Degree in Music at the University of Chile she founded a jazz-rock band, composed chamber music and electro-acoustical music as well. She continued to earn awards for her singing and traveled extensively with theater troops and musical groups. She also worked for numerous companies singing jingles for commercials.

Under a Fulbright Scholarship, Francesca attended the Manhattan School of Music where she earned her Masters Degree in Voice with Honors. While classically trained with several opera performances to her credit, Francesca prefers a more contemporary application of her wide-ranging vocal talents.

Her first solo CD "Que el Canto Tiene Sentido" was nominated for the prestigious Chilean Altazor Award in 1999. Her second CD entitled "Pasaje de Ida y Vuelta" won both the Chilean Fondart and Altazor Awards in 2000 and she was nominated for the Apes Award for best female singer. She released her third solo CD in October 2002 and has received much praise for it as well. Widely acclaimed in her home country, Francesca was recently invited to perform for the Chilean Congress.

In 2002 Francesca was discovered by Taos, NM independent record label Petroglyph Records and in April 2004 completed her North American debut CD with Grammy Award winning producer Andy Byrd. On this CD entitled "Sons Of The Same Sun" Francesca concentrates on self-composed and arranged songs blending the diverse folk sounds of South America with the smooth jazz styles of the United States. Her powerful vocals in both English and Spanish transcend cultural and political boundaries elevating the listener into a brighter world knowing only peace, beauty and brotherhood where we are all "sons of the same sun."

Francesca continues to do various studio work, instructing and performing throughout Chile. She is also currently composing music for her next CD with Petroglyph Records.