Music and political imprisonment in Pinochet’s Chile

Even in spaces designed to silence and control, music endured. In this talk, Dr. Katia Chornik examines the complex presence of music in Chile’s political imprisonment centres during the Pinochet dictatorship, and how these sonic histories continue to shape memory, justice, and human rights today.

Over 1,000 political imprisonment and torture centres existed across Chile during the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet (1973–1990). Music was often present in those centres, both as a response to, and in conjunction with, human rights violations.

In her new book Music and Political Imprisonment in Pinochet’s Chile (Oxford University Press, 2025), Dr. Katia Chornik explores the intersections between music, politics, memory, and human rights, discussing a broad range of music experiences and repertoire, and how these are remembered, preserved, and disseminated decades later. With a prologue by former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet, the book blends archival sources with personal interviews with ex-political prisoners, agents of secret services, and visitors to prisons.

In this talk, Chornik will present an overview of the book and two interlinked initiatives: the digital platform Cantos Cautivos (Captive Songs, www.cantoscautivos.org) and an ongoing UNESCO educational project. The talk will share breakthroughs and challenges of her journey, and the reasons why this work matters today.

Following Chornik’s lecture, Konstantin Mierau (University of Groningen) will provide a response and open the discussion. Drinks and nibbles will be served afterwards from 5 pm.

About Cedla

The Centre for Latin American Research and Documentation (CEDLA) Lecture Series is a public event programme that brings together international experts to share insights and new publications on Latin America. Each session features a 45-minute talk, followed by comments from a discussant and an open Q&A with the audience. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply curious about the region, you’re welcome to join the conversation. We’ll end the evening with drinks and nibbles at VOX-POP.