The Ibero-American Congress of Culture opened in Medellin with a speech from Colombian President Alvaro Uribe welcoming delegations from 15 countries and an emotional concert with performances by Uruguayan Jorge Drexler, Cuban Silvio Rodriguez and Argentinean Leon Gieco.

Drexler opened the evening with a wide array of instruments and songs loaded with messages of love, the environment and man’s role in society.

Silvio Rodriguez followed, spoke few words but sang many in unison with fans young and old who know and love his songs. He tried to say goodbye a few times, but kept getting called back by an audience begging to hear just one more.

Leon Gieco closed the evening with his songs that have become odes to peace. No fancy lights or props were needed, no elaborate choreographies or special effects, to make it a magical night filled with musical poetry.