Venezuelan-Chilean composer Miguel Farías created "Retratos Australes" ("Southern Portraits") for the National Youth Orchestra of Chile's 2019 international tour. This three-movement work showcases Farías' gift for vivid orchestral color and cultural references to his South American heritage. From the driving march and hypnotic climax of "Tirana," through the atmospheric string glissandi of "Minga," to the percussion-rich "Chinchinero" (named after Chilean street performers who play drums strapped to their backs while dancing), the piece demonstrates why Farías—also a novelist and educator—has received commissions from major orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Conductor Paolo Bortolameolli led the Minnesota Orchestra in this performance on February 14, 2025.