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by Tom Keener

Allen Public Library and Allen Philharmonic Orchestra celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the fabulous musical trio-Chaski, at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 20, 300 N. Allen Dr.

Chaski means "messenger" in the Incan language of Quechua. In the spirit of this Andean traveler, Chaski performs Latin American folk music with traditional instruments, colorful costumes, cultural insight, Andean dances, and audience participation. Based in Austin, Texas, Chaski has toured the U.S., Europe, and Central and South America enthralling audiences since 1985.

As part of the Allen Philharmonic Orchestras’ Cultural Connections program, Chaski performs at Boyd Elementary School and the Lowery Freshman Center on September 22. Kathy Litinas, president of the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra, states, "Our purpose is to create new and diverse audiences to enjoy symphonic music. This reflects our commitment to foster respect for diversity. When we create a legacy of strength through our diversity and appreciation for cultural development and awareness, we help train our children to become outstanding leaders."

Chaski transcribes and arranges folk music primarily from Latin America and Spain. Based upon their knowledge of the cultural and historical traditions from which the songs are derived, they capture the essence of the music and present songs using indigenous and concert instruments, including flute, quena, zampoñas (panpipes), alto flute, transverse flute, harp, guitar, charango, cuatro, ronroco, bombo, chajchas, maracas, matraka, and various whistles and bird calls.

Wearing typical Andean clothing, Chaski’s concerts include written and spoken comments describing the music, culture, history, instruments, and dances. They involve the audience by inviting clapping to particular rhythms and stomping their feet when cued.

Chaski has produced five independently produced recordings: Chaski (1989), Pacha Mama (1991), El sariri (1995), Unay (2000), and Viracocha (2006). Chaski was featured on the soundtrack of the IMAX film Ride Around the World: A Cowboy Adventure.

Chaski is composed of three talented musicians.

Adrienne Inglis received a Bachelor of Music in Flute at Lewis and Clark College and a Master of Music in Flute at the University of Texas at Austin. Playing as many as twelve different flutes, she recorded on the SpyKids 2, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, and The Children’s War film soundtracks.

Shana Norton graduated with highest honors earning a Bachelor of Music Education from Abilene Christian University and attended the Eastman School of Music. She plays principal harp with the Mid-Texas Symphony and the Hot Springs Music Festival, works for CAMPO and performs frequently with the San Antonio Symphony and Temple Symphony Orchestra.

Dan Dickey earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and a Master of Arts degree in American Studies and Folklore from the University of Texas at Austin. For many years, he led the University of Texas at Austin Andean Music Ensemble and Mariachi.

With generous support from the Texas Commission on the Arts, this program is jointly sponsored by the Friends of the Allen Public Library Bach to Books program and the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra. It is free and open to the public. Call 214-509-4911 for information.