The magnificent musical event had the special participation of the Women's Chamber Choir of the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso (PUCV) and the Allegro Choir of La Serena.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Municipal Theater of La Serena to enjoy the fifth concert of the 2014 season of the Symphony Orchestra of the University of La Serena, which on this occasion presented a program characterized by contemporary music, in addition to the premiere of the Anthem of the Coquimbo Region. 

All the works were enthusiastically applauded by the audience that attended the show, highlighting the magnificent interpretations of ''L'abbé Agathon'', by the world-renowned creator Arvo Part (Estonia (1935), performed by the singers Loreto Pizarro and Ester Olivares; and "Mass for the children" by John Rutter, which featured the participation of Madelene Vásquez and Rodrigo Quinteros, along with the PUCV Women's Vocal Cantata and the Allegro de La Serena Academy Choir.

Likewise, the publication recognized the quality of "Heaven, Earth & Mankind", by the Chinese author Tan Dun and the world premiere of ''Luciérnagas'' by the Chilean composer Fernanda Carrasco, a work dedicated and specially prepared to be performed by the Symphony Orchestra of the University of La Serena.

Boris Alvarado, guest conductor of the OSULS, pointed out that ''this orchestra has a great advantage which is the possibility of preparing special programs that contribute to the region and the country, and on the other hand a mission that makes them very characteristic and very recognized. in Chile, which means always playing a Chilean work. These two elements have been combined to create a homogeneous and very attractive program that also included the winning anthem of the contest, a beautiful song that surprised the attendees.''

Anthem of the Coquimbo Region

After three months of work, between reception and selection of proposals, a select jury chose the work that will become the anthem of the Coquimbo Region.

The winning musical work was composed by the Santiago artist Rodrigo Herrera Muñoz, who indicated that he was inspired by some personal experiences and trips, in addition to the knowledge that the region has. ''I have always liked it a lot and it has welcomed me very well. I hope they are attached to this land and feel proud of it, because it has a lot of identity, and this anthem will be my humble grain of sand towards those who live in this part of Chile,' he said.

''I find that it is very suitable for the region, it has favorable lyrics because it highlights the valleys and is very poetic,'' said some attendees at the premiere of the Anthem. ''Very powerful, very elaborate music, I think it gives a lot of value to the region,'' the audience highlighted.

In this way, a process of local identity is strengthened, which began with the Regional Flag. ''Today marks a new milestone in regionalization,'' highlighted Mayor Hanne Utreras. ''Having a flag is already a milestone and today we crown it with this anthem that speaks of our land and invites us to keep it in our hearts with great emphasis and inspired by the legacy of Gabriela Mistral and the teacher Jorge Peña Hen,'' she added.

For his part, the regional advisor of the Culture Commission, José Montoya, added that ''we are very happy, because these two facts are going to mean that our region can be well represented and today, when regionalization is so important, we make a difference ''.

The La Serena Educational, Musical, Cultural Foundation was in charge of receiving and selecting the winning composition, which was officially presented by the Symphony Orchestra of the University of La Serena at the Municipal Theater of the regional capital.

The composition will be distributed in various schools and public services for dissemination, which is expected to be sung during official events.