CUMBERLAND — The vitality and emotion of South American music comes to Cumberland on Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. in Windsor Hall when Alturas Duo takes the stage.

The only group of its kind, the pair formed with the idea of playing South American and classical music by bringing together the unusual combination of the viola, charango and guitar, creating fiery programs that move at ease between Johann Sebastian Bach, South American folk rhythms and new music commissioned by the duo.

Carlos Boltes of Chile learned the charango from his brother. Even with his viola prowess, the folk instrument holds a special place in his heart, as does the music of his home continent. He holds a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and is currently on the faculty of the Hartt School, University of Hartford, Conn.

Scott Hill, a native of Canada, earned his master’s degree in guitar performance from the Hartt School, and is the recipient of a Canada Council for the Arts grant. He is also on the faculty of the Hartt School, University of Hartford.

Constantly in search of new music and diverse collaborations, many of the works they program and commission have a strong Latin flavor. Alturas (Spanish for heights) supplements its commissions with field research on trips to Chile, traveling the length of the country to meet with folk musicians, gathering material for their work. They pass on this information to audiences with brief and lively explanations and stories between songs.

They have performed with a wide group of renowned artists and composers, and have performed and lectured across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Bolivia and Brazil, including performances at Carnegie Hall, the Smithsonian Institute, and the Chilean and Venezuelan Embassies in Washington. Theyve also played with other folkloric bands on a Chilean coastal island to raise funds for community causes. “Whatever you can do, you involve yourself,” said Hill.

The men won first prize at the 2006 New England International Chamber Music Competition, has recorded for BRIOSO and NAXOS records, and has been a featured performer on National Public Radio. The musicians will have compact discs of their music available for sale.

The charango is a lute-like instrument brought to South America by the Spaniards. Not having the technology to make the bowed back, the natives used armadillo shells. Wood now is used. More information is available online at www.altursduo.com, as well as samples of their songs.

The performance is sponsored jointly by World Artists Experiences and the Embassy of Chile. WAE is a nonprofit or-ganization that seeks to bridge international understanding through cultural and citizen diplomacy through the arts.

The concert is free and open to the public, with donations accepted to help defray expenses. No tickets are required, and seating is on a first-come basis.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (301) 777-1027.