WE Are Sabios Cantores
Many families from Hispanic countries immigrated to Northfield about 50 years ago seeking a better life. After living and working here for many years, some people moved on to different parts of the country, while others remained in Northfield. There are currently over 2,600 Hispanic residents currently in Northfield, and they were in need of connection.
Before they officially became Sabios Cantores in June of 2025, a group of Northfield residents were already singing Hispanic songs together. Vladimir Garrido-Biagetti organized it with support from the nonprofit organization Giving Voice Chorus. The group quickly formed into a family. Most rehearsals end with members staying in each other’s company for the rest of the evening, and caregivers who come with members sometimes even attend rehearsals even when the person they support can’t make it.
Giving Voices also allowed for the choir to perform and share their music with Northfield. At the end of each concert there is a medley of songs from different countries that the members came from. It goes on for over twenty minutes and there is pride in each voice that fills the room.
They sing to remember their heritage and they sing to belong with a group of people that gives them a purpose.
Meet our director
Vladimir Garrido-Biagetti was born in Arica, Chile, and moved to the United States when he was 18 years old. Raised on the folk music of the Andes Mountains and “La Nueva Cancion Latinoamericana”, his musical background is strongly rooted in cultural heritage and pride.
Since moving to the Twin Cities in 2005, Vladimir has been an active musician, folk dancer and community activist. While performing with the latina band Alma Andina and the mother-son duet Ina-Yukka, he also produces, engineers and directs musical projects and studio recordings combined with live events and festivals.
Vladimir is also the heart and soul of Sabios Cantores, “The Wise Singers”. While the choir originally was started as a community initiative for hispanic seniors in the Northfield area suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s back in [year], it has transformed into a home and a family.
In performance, with his guitar in his hands, Vladimir leads Sabios Cantores in song, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of all the members.
Our partners: Giving Voice
Giving Voice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and supporting choruses for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Through training, resources, and a global network, they help ensembles use music as a tool for connection, dignity, and joy.
As a partner, Giving Voice provides Sabios Cantores with essential guidance, visibility, and structural support. Their model informs our rehearsals and community approach, while their network helps us grow sustainably. They are also a key source of foundational support, helping make the project financially and artistically possible.
Northfield Public Library
The Northfield community is at the heart of Sabios Cantores. Through our partnership with the Northfield Public Library, we connect directly with residents across the city; families, older adults, caregivers, and individuals living with memory loss. By offering an open, accessible rehearsal space in a familiar and trusted space, we’re able to reach people who might not otherwise engage with the arts.
This local connection allows us to build meaningful relationships, respond to real community needs, and create a space where participants from Northfield can gather, sing, and feel a true sense of belonging.
Meet our team
Angélica Linder
Northfield Public Library
Vladimir Garrido
Director
Christine Whear
Collaborator