After she graduated with a degree in music from the Chilean Catholic University, singer Cecilia Echenique moved to England in 1979 to improve her knowledge and skills as an instrumentalist. After returning to her native country, the artist formed a vocal group oriented to children called Mazapán, joining the local Nueva Trova movement (also known as Canto Nuevo) and having the opportunity to perform along with Joan Baez and Roberto Bravo in Santiago de Chile. In 1987, her first album was issued, including a song recorded along with Argentinian singer Leon Gieco called "Como La Cigarra," which soon became a huge success. In 1995, Cecilia Echenique moved to the U.S. to perform in New York, Washington's Kennedy Center, Illinois University at Chicago, and New Jersey's Princeton University. In 1998, the singer signed up to Universal, releasing a successful Christmas carols album that same year. ~ Drago Bonacich