Amigo

This is my friend, colleague and co-director, Hernan, during a break at rehearsal for our 25th November concert. He's originally from Chile, is a singer and multi-instrumentalist and a fine musician. The instrument is a charango. Have a listen. These days they're all made of wood, but many used to be made from an armadillo shell. I actually have one of these, found in a rubbish dump, would you believe! I will blip it someday soon.

Hernan's been resident in Australia since the 1970's (came here for a holiday shortly before the fall of the Allende government, after which it was not safe for him to return). I'm so glad he did come here, and that he stayed, as I learn so much from him and we have so much fun with our musical collaborations. Not to mention the great friendship that has developed as a result.