In 1971, Mikis Theodorakis, the famed composer of Zorba the Greek, collaborated with the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Together, they selected 12 poems from the vast Canto General, which had earned Neruda the Nobel Prize. Theodorakis set these poems to music, which range from descriptions of the rainforest jungles of South America to celebrations of great historical figures to the anguish over exploitation by La United Fruit Company. This elaborate production, composed for an ensemble of flutes, guitars, percussion, a full chorus, and soloists, was to have premiered in the great stadium in Santiago, Chile, in September of 1973.

As tragic events unfolded, the stadium was full on that day—full of political prisoners. Allende, the elected democratic leader of Chile, had been overthrown by a military coup. Theodarakis fled the country and Neruda, the greatly loved poet of the people, died soon after—some say of a broken heart.

The Seattle Peace Chorus traveled to Chile in 1995 and has an ongoing affinity for the Chilean people. By special invitation, the Chilean Consulate has invited the chorus to perform the great masterpiece Canto General as part of the Neruda centenary worldwide celebrations in 2004-05.