Rafael Manríquez About the Artist Rafael Manríquez has been one of the leading exponents of Latin American music in the San Francisco Bay Area for over twenty years. Originally from Santiago, Chile, Rafael brings us the gift of both his exquisite voice and remarkable skill on Latin American string instruments, ranging from the guitar to the charango to the cuatro and tiple. Rafael is a passionate and well-loved composer and performer. Through his music, he reveals the richness of Latin folk rhythms influenced by the Spanish, Native American and African cultures. His lyrics reflect the struggles and hopes of the people of this continent. He has performed throughout the Americas and Europe. His music has been recorded on over ten albums. Rafael has performed as a solo artist and with several musical groups throughout Chile and Ecuador. Since moving to the Bay Area in 1977, Rafael has continued his work as a performer and a teacher. He has been an active leader at La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley, California - teaching classes in guitar and New Latin American Song, directing the La Peña Community Chorus, and organizing Latin American music festivals. From 1980 - 1984, Rafael was the musical director and lead singer of Grupo Raíz, an internationally acclaimed Chilean ensemble that recorded three albums and toured extensively in the United States and abroad. Present work Since 1984, Rafael has focused on his career as a solo artist, creating several independently produced CDs and performing throughout California. He has served as an artist-in-residence at La Peña Cultural Center. He is also a founding member of the Andean music group Arauco, which performs throughout Northern California. Recent recordings include the CDs "Canto a Gabriela" music by Rafael and lyrics by Gabriela Mistral, "Amistades" (with Quique Cruz ), "La Travesía", and, in 2001, "Canto al Poeta" (songs with texts by Pablo Neruda) with David Barrows, His most recent CDs are "Que viva el canto", produced by Smithsonian Folkways, and "Aqui te traigo una Rosa", singing with Ingrid Rubis. In addition, he has published a CD for Children called "Alma de Niño". Sound Clips... For booking information call (510) 367 0953 or send email to Rafael. To purchase a CD send a check for $15 U.S. plus $2 for shipping and handling, to: Rafael Manriquez 2214 Mc Gee Avenue Berkeley, CA 94203 U.S.A.