The Cuban folk singer Silvio Rodríguez will today offer the last of four concerts in Chile, a visit that has also been marked by poignant tributes to the legacy of Víctor Jara and a meeting with President Gabriel Boric.

Over the weekend, Rodríguez met with the Chilean musician's daughter, Amanda Jara, and spent time with workers at the cultural foundation dedicated to preserving the memory of the revered artist, known for anthems like "El derecho de vivir en paz" ("The Right to Live in Peace"). The Cuban singer-songwriter was even able to hold Víctor Jara's original guitar. Jara, an icon of protest music and a member of the Communist Party, was murdered by the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in 1973.

A Moving Tribute on Stage

At the first of his four performances at Santiago's Movistar Arena on September 29, Silvio Rodríguez paid homage to Jara by performing one of his most famous songs, "Te recuerdo Amanda" ("I Remember You, Amanda"). The gesture prompted a massive ovation in the venue, which has a capacity of over 17,000. Chilean singer Cecilia Concha Laborde, who attended the concert, stated, "It was a moving performance from start to finish."

The high demand for the artist was evident, as tickets for the Movistar Arena sold out in just a few hours when they went on sale months ago, compelling Rodríguez to double the number of his scheduled recitals in the country.

A Historical Connection

The artist's connection to Chile runs deep. Last week, he was received by President Gabriel Boric at the La Moneda Palace, where he toured the facility and visited the office of former President Salvador Allende. "It is always wonderful to return to Chile," said the troubadour, who first visited the country in 1972 during Allende's government. He returned in 1990 after the end of the dictatorship, performing for a crowd of approximately 80,000 people at the National Stadium.

The author of classics like "Ojalá," "El Necio," and "La era está pariendo un corazón" is on a tour that began in Havana and will also take him to Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, and Colombia. Local media headlines have reflected the success of his return, with phrases like "Spectacular return of Silvio Rodríguez to Chile" and "Silvio moves the Movistar Arena with his classics and his enduring relevance." For his final performance tonight, Rodríguez will have fellow artist Nano Stern as a special guest.