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The young Cuban violinist Elizabeth Yodú Nápoles, also known as "Lizzy," became the composer of the official anthem of the El Algarrobal District in the Moquegua Department, southern Peru, after winning a competition organized by that locality.
The work is titled «Pasión Chiribaya» and represents the artist's first foray into the anthem genre, as she recounted in a conversation with the Cuban News Agency.
Yodú Nápoles made it to the lineup thanks to his friendship with the Gutierrez Ramos family, residents of the city of Moquegua, who on April 19 found an invitation to the composition contest on Facebook through a post by Radio Americana, the source indicated.
"That same day, they told me how interesting and challenging it would be to compose the music for a hymn, as it would be my first experience with this genre, and that was what encouraged me to take on the challenge," the violinist recalled.
The work was collaborative: Yodú Nápoles took on the composition and musicalization, while Amparo Elizabeth Gutierrez Ramos was responsible for the lyrics. "We divided the great task, and as a professional musician, it was primarily my responsibility to handle the musical composition and the writing of the choral score," she explained.
Regarding the creative process, the artist described it as a necessity for rigorous exploration: "It was exciting, as it required immersing oneself in a deep investigation of the distinctive elements of the locality, and the support of the citizens from that region was vital," she noted, adding that at every moment, the goal was to ensure the essence of the place was reflected in every detail.
From a technical standpoint, the piece was conceived as a solemn march, structured for four choral voices: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. "I designed the musical composition so that from the introduction, the spirit, strength, and solemnity would resonate in the brass and the sound of the band at a marching rhythm," he elaborated.
Thanks to her classical music training, the composer blended symphonic style with violin sounds alongside brass instruments, projecting one melody for the choir and another for the verses, although she acknowledged that there was much to modify in the process to ensure everything fit together in perfect harmony.
The name of the anthem pays tribute to the pre-Hispanic Chiribaya culture, which flourished in the Moquegua region between approximately 900 and 1450 A.D. and whose archaeological legacy—ceramics, textiles, and well-preserved mummies—constitutes the main identity heritage of the district. "From beginning to end, every word had to evoke that land, and the music was meant to support that spirit of love, strength, and respect for its people, culture, history, and virtues," stated the artist.
The achievement was officially recognized on May 23 by the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba, which publicly congratulated the violinist on its social media: “Congratulations to our violinist Elizabeth Yodú for winning the Music Composition Award for the Anthem of the El Algarrobal District in Peru. Well done!”
Yodú Nápoles is a member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) and has a history of composing works for violin in collaboration with printmakers. His achievement adds to a long tradition of Cuban musicians who have gained international recognition, a cultural vitality that persists despite the severe economic crisis that the island has been experiencing for years, characterized by prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and unprecedented mass emigration.
The exodus of artists from the country, including musicians, has been significant in recent years.
"For me, as a Cuban, it is a source of pride and an honor to be remembered in the history of the Peruvian nation, especially in this district, as my name will be alongside its history. From today on, every time the notes and melody of its Official Anthem are played, a piece of me will be represented with them," the violinist confessed.
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