INoticias.CL | Mapocho Orchestra Premieres New Album «Optical Illusions» at Matucana 100

«I wanted to create a piece that had a storyline connecting all the tracks, leveraging the unique talents of the orchestra’s musicians and offering a different aesthetic from what we have been working on in recent years. Additionally, I aimed to write songs in Spanish specifically for the Big Band format, which is something quite rare,» Tauber shares.

Each track on the album showcases opportunities for the orchestra’s musicians to shine with their distinct musicality. The musical director explains, «This was a deliberate choice considering the exceptional performers in the orchestra. In this repertoire, we also explored more modern music, stepping away from the classic sounds that jazz orchestras usually produce, which are often closely tied to swing. It was a fascinating challenge for the entire orchestra.»

«Regarding the songs, I collaborated with Francisca Buendía as a lyricist for the album, resulting in several intriguing pieces that reinforce the narrative of optical illusions. We were also fortunate to have our friend Matiah Chinaski rap on one of the tracks,» Tauber added.

The concert will feature Fase Solar as a special guest artist. «This show is our way of celebrating a decade of work. We have been rehearsing extensively to ensure we sound amazing, and we are also preparing a visual presentation with lights and audiovisuals to create a multisensory experience. We want everyone who listens to the album to immerse themselves in the world of Optical Illusions,» Tauber emphasizes.

It’s worth noting that at the recent Pulsar Awards (2026), Juan Pablo Quezada won the Album of the Year award specifically for the album «Optical Illusions.»