The books of Isidora Zegers' collection, full of operas and scores (some, written by herself), are now being restored by specialists from the Universidad de Chile. So, the huge legacy of this Spanish woman who lived and died in Chile starts getting the recognition it deserves. Her life and work left a profound cultural mark in our country.

Isidora Zegers was born in Madrid in 1803, and arrived to Chile when she was 20 years old, because her father had been hired by the Foreign Ministry. It was here that the composer lived the rest of her life -until her death, on 1869-, developing an immense creative work and becoming the star of Santiago's intellectual life. With her compositions and piano playing, Isidora surprised the most educated.

During two marriages, she had the impressive amount of sixteen children. But this was no obstacle for her work and artistic curiosity. Isidora became involved in the foundation of the National Musical Conservatory's academia, the Musical Seminary and the Philarmonic Society. Most of her written musical work has been kept until now on the archives of Universidad de Chile´s Arts Faculty, which got it as a donation in 1981.

It is a whole library with more than 330 books, all from the 18th and 19th centuries, most composed of operas and scores; some written by Zegers, others by classical authors (Haydn, Rossini, Mozart, Donizetti, Mercadante, G. Verdi). Most of this material was beginning to wear out, because of dirt and improper use. The collection is now located at the University´s Musical and Dance Library. Twelve of these books have been restored, and can now be used (only) by teachers and students.

The initiative of restoration is now in its second phase, working on seven books that should be ready by the end of January. The work includes getting rid of dust and dirt, repair of tears and creases, the cleaning of the covers, etc. It is, indeed, a meticulous work, that will help Chileans have access to a valuable patrimony of Chile´s musical history.