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.

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.

Widely acclaimed in her native Chile, Francesca was invited to perform for the Chilean Congress and for the new President. She teaches at the University level, continues her studio work and performs regularly in Chile, Europe and South America.

Petroglyph Records is proud to announce the release of Lonquén, Francesca Ancarola’s tribute to Victor Jara (1932-1973) Chile’s much loved singer/songwriter. Born in Lonquén near Santiago, Victor Jara’s music championed the harsh lives of Chile’s working class, challenging political injustice. Tortured, then murdered under dictator Pinochet’s regime, this legendary folk hero remains generally unknown in the United States even though his songs have been recorded by greats such as Joan Baez and others. Francesca’s passionate, contemporary renditions of his songs celebrate the man, his bravery, and his music, the power of which continues to move us with its relevance.

Lonquén is not only a tribute to Victor Jara but also to the great arrangements and powerful voice of Chile's leading modern artist. This album won Chile's Altazor Award and is sure to become a classic. Spanish lyrics with English translations allow you to hear the music as intended but understand the meanings that were so powerful they led to Jara's death.