Margot Loyola 1918 – 2015

Biography

Margot Loyola was born on September 15, 1918, in the town of Linares, a region rich with cultural heritage in central Chile. From her earliest years, she was immersed in the traditions and musical expressions that would define her life’s work. Her birthplace in this vibrant community provided the foundation for a lifelong dedication to preserving and celebrating Chilean folk traditions.

Throughout her career, Loyola became deeply committed to ethnomusicology, devoting herself to the study and documentation of Chile’s diverse musical heritage. Her work helped ensure that traditional songs, dances, and cultural practices were recorded and passed on to future generations. She became a respected figure in the field, recognized for her scholarly contributions to understanding the roots of Chilean music and its significance to the nation’s identity.

Loyola spent her final years in La Reina, where she continued her work until her death on August 3, 2015, at the age of 96. Her legacy extends far beyond her individual accomplishments—she left behind a body of work that serves as a vital resource for cultural preservation and education. Her dedication to ethnomusicology ensured that Chile’s rich musical traditions would not be forgotten, making her an enduring figure in the country’s cultural memory.