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"Duerme Negrito"
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The lyrics of the greatest Renaissance
melodies free themselves of instruments to shine with
their own light thanks to the eight inspired voices of
the Vocal Octet Kantart. Founded in 1998 as part of the
Musical Diffusion and Development Organism from Quito
Municipality, the group has earned national recognition
for their interpretative excellence.
The octet's members are: Mónica
Bravo and Rossana Miranda (soprano), Martha Montero and
Andrea Cóndor (contraltos), Julio Ríos and
Juan Carlos Larenas (tenors), Guido Cedeño and
Ramón Montúfar (baritones). Their specialty
is chamber music, with a repertoire that ranges from Renaissance
to contemporary styles. Lately, they also are using minor
percussion instruments as güros, maracas and bongos.
Director and founder Ramón Montúfar
explains that the group's name "Kantart" means
cantar al arte (singing to art), an appropriate
moniker for a group of friends who practice art for art's
sake, perfecting their lyrical renditions through hours
of daily practice.
The octet has performed throughout Ecuador,
including presentations with the National Symphonic Orchestra,
the Franz Liszt Conservatory and the International Choral
Festival in Guayaquil. According to Montúfar, these
performances have brought them into contact with international
choral groups, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate
their musical ability at the Latin-American level.
During August Art and Culture Month in
Quito, "Kantart" performed at the Casa de la
Cultura, at many churches throughout the city and at the
Choral Festival organized by Vozteso Ensamble. There the
melody: Duerme Negrito by Atahualpa Yupanqui was the most
well-received interpretation.
The group is looking for financial support
to produce a CD compilation of their favorite melodies.
Their next performance in September will coincide with
celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of Quito as a UNESCO
World Heritage City.
Finally, Ramón says that the octet's goal is to
spread the values of Ecuadorian academic and popular music
by helping to rescue the musical wealth and diversity
of Ecuador.
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