Inti-Illimani is a folk music ensemble from Santiago, Chile, blending traditional Andean music with contemporary classical, avant-garde, and world music genres. The group was formed in 1967 by university students Horacio Durán, Jorge Coulón, Luis Espinoza Oscar Guzmán, Ciro Retamal, and Pedro Yáñez, and in 1969 released their debut album Si Somos Americanos. Inti-Illimani quickly became a symbol of the Popular Unity government of Salvador Allende with their anthem "Venceremos." However, their career took an unexpected turn with the Chilean coup d'état in 1973. While on tour in Europe, they learned they could not return home due to the military junta led by Augusto Pinochet, which banned their music. This began what they called "the longest tour in history," as they settled in Italy and continued to support Chilean democracy from abroad. They continued releasing albums such as Viva Chile! (1973), Chile Resistencia (1977), and The Flight of the Condor (1982). In 1979, the group recorded the song "Vuelvo," composed by musical director Horacio Salinas and featuring lyrics by Patricio Manns; a song about returning from exile which became one of their most enduring songs. It was the first song they performed upon returning to Chile in 1988. Over the years, Inti-Illimani's music evolved, incorporating a broad range of influences that enriched their sound. The group underwent a significant change in 2001 when key members José Seves, Horacio Durán, and Horacio Salinas left, leading to the formation of Inti-Illimani Histórico, while the remaining members continued as Inti-Illimani Nuevo. This split resulted in two groups, each carrying forward the Inti-Illimani legacy in their own direction. Inti-Illimani Histórico and Inti-Illimani Nuevo have both continued to release albums.
