Paraguayan Harp Concert by Marcelo Rojas

The Australian National Centre for Latin American Studies and the Embassy of Paraguay present: Paraguayan Harp Concert

6:30pm Wednesday 18 May

The Big Band Room, Peter Karmel Building, School of Music, ANU

Please register your attendance atEventbrite by COB Monday 2 May.

The Paraguayan harp is a cultural emblem, which represents not only the nation of Paraguay and its traditional music, but also a collective notion of paraguayidad—Paraguayanness. It is a touchstone for Paraguayans’ pride in their national territory, collective historical memory, Guaraní-Spanish bilingual reality, landmarks of the natural environment, and the rich legacy of folk traditions. The melodies, harmonies, rhythms, lyrics, and even song titles associated with it evoke in Paraguayan listeners’ notions of self-identity.

Marcelo Rojas is one of the new interpreters of the Paraguayan harp. Born in Yuty, in the state of Caazapá in Paraguay 1976, he began studying the harp at age 10 under the tutelage of his father, Don Aquiles Rojas. He regularly performed at the Festival del Ita Karu (magnetized stone) in Yuty, earning recognition at a young age for the quality of his interpretations. At 16, he moved to Encarnación, where he continued his studies with maestro Alfonso Garay, joining the permanent cast of the Encarnación Cultural Center, taking part in performances in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.

Marcelo Rojas’s performances are known for the dexterity with which he plays and his ability to embrace a style within the pulsation of the harp, as well as for his interpretation of Paraguayan music. Behind a fine and precise touch, he has recorded several CDs marked by a melodious selection of songs. He has been described as one of the finest interpreters in this difficult musical field.

The performance will be followed by light food and beverages through the kind support of the Embassy of Paraguay. Free and open to the public.