Santa María de Iquique (cantata)

Santa María de Iquique, also known as the Cantata Santa María de Iquique, is a musical work composed in 1969 by Chilean composer Luis Advis. It is a cantata that tells the story of the 1907 massacre of striking nitrate miners in Iquique, Chile. The work is notable for its fusion of traditional Chilean folk music, including elements of nueva canción, with classical forms.

The cantata is structured in several movements, employing various narrative and musical techniques to depict the historical events. It incorporates spoken word narration, choral sections, and solo vocal performances, often using instrumentation common to Chilean folk music. The lyrics, also by Advis, draw heavily on historical accounts and oral traditions surrounding the massacre.

Santa María de Iquique is considered one of the most important and influential works of the Nueva Canción Chilena movement. Its socially conscious themes and accessible musical style resonated deeply with Chilean audiences during a period of political and social upheaval. Following the 1973 military coup, the cantata was banned and its performance suppressed. Despite this, it remained a symbol of resistance and social justice, and its popularity has endured. It continues to be performed and studied as a significant piece of Chilean cultural heritage. The work's impact extends beyond Chile, as it has been performed internationally and recognized for its artistic merit and historical significance.