Fotografía por Hugo Angel
Millán is a self-taught, blind musician, who since childhood has been fascinated with the music and festivities of Caguach. He has been recognized as one of the best interpreters and cultivators of the Chilote accordion tradition, and in 2017 released the album “El accordión del Archipiélago.” With this edition and other compositions, Millán tours Chiloé giving public concerts along with other musicians, and he has successfully disseminated his work by holding accordion workshops for young people and amateurs.
Navarro and Smith's engagement with sound poetry arises from their shared experiences of how Konantü's crowdsourced practice elicits spontaneous behavior and, in doing so, challenges conventional boundaries between language, music, and sound, equally for listeners, performers and musician, who will emphasize the dramatic, atmospheric dimension of the accordion, through wind sounds and sustained chords.
Part of Navarro and Smith's premise for their Capilla Azul project is that a new work of sound poetry can serve as a catalyst for a variety of classroom and public activities that in turn will bring new attention and exposure to experimental forms of literature and sound interpretation. The morphing of the interior of the chapel, from a space to experience art through visual perception into a small music chamber and listening station for visitors to enjoy a performance recorded within its four walls, helps strengthen the links between the chapel and its neighbors, who used this building for generations. In this context, the participation of Enrique Millán is key to giving attention to the rich tradition of the accordion within Chiloé.
Text by Dan Cameron and Ramon Castillo
