Between today, September 28, and October 2, the XVII IASPM-AL Congress will take place, where Christián Spencer will be one of the coordinators of the symposium "Sociologies of Music," together with Gabriel Lima and Carolina Santamaría. In this session, the director of CMUS will also deliver the paper "Notes for a Discussion on the Concept of Folkloric Roots in Chile (1985-2025)."

The abstract reads as follows: "Despite its wide use in academia and among musicians, the historical and musicological origin of the term 'folkloric roots' (raíz folclórica) in Chile remains unclear. Although there is evidence of loose usage since the 1960s, its systematic spread seems to have consolidated in the mid-1980s, especially following changes in the repertoire of Nueva Canción groups such as Inti-Illimani. This paper examines the conceptual origin and practical use of the term between 1984 and 2025, drawing on press sources and interviews with performers, folklorists, and composers. The proposals of Advis, González, and Spencer are critically reviewed, together with a dialogue with the Argentine literature on folklore."

As we announced in the previous news item, Carla Pinochet and Laura Jordán will take part in the panel "Songs of Exiles, Migrants, and Political Song in Chile" (Cantos de exilados, migrantes e a canção política no Chile), part of the symposium "Popular Music and Politics," with their respective papers. See the full program at this link.

Symposium: Sociologies of Music
Panel 1: Folklore and Scene in Perspective
Paper by Christian Spencer
Tuesday, September 29, 10:00 – 10:45
Casa Mazariegos – Room 3