By Rosa
Divina and I are second generation Paraguayans living in CT but our roots never left us. Our family is very involved in the Paraguayan community and this past weekend I was able to attend a benefit concert for the Paraguayan School in New York.
Berta Rojas is a Paraguayan musician known for her talent as a classical guitarist worldwide. She has performed all over the world, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center in New York, John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and many other places. She is a Professor of Guitar at George Washington University in Washington DC as well as Paraguay’s Ambassador of Tourism.
Held at the Paraguayan school in New York, located in Flushing, one of the boroughs of Queens, NY; the concert was about an hour long with an intermission of 15 minutes. I enjoyed the concert very much since I always liked music. I used to play in the symphony band in High School and also play the piano. The way she played the guitar sounded as if she were playing the harp. There was no sign of difficulty while she played. It was very soothing.
Before each song, she would explain why she chose that song to play. It was a variety from Brazilian to Chinese aritists, all of which have influenced her music and CDs.
The second half was a tribute to another infamous Paraguayan guitarist, Agustín Barrios . My favorite songs were ‘Waltz Op 8 No 4′ and ‘Jha Che Valle’ by Agustín Barrios .
Once the concert was over, The Paraguayan Center of New York offered dinner in the school’s cafeteria. While people were mingling, Berta Rojas joined them to autograph CDs that were on sale as well as take pictures. Overall I enjoyed the night very much.
I wouldn’t recommend a concert of classical guitar to everyone. For those who enjoy soothing classical music, then this was a concert to go to. If you think it will make you go to sleep then maybe just buy the CD and listen to it while you’re having a nice bubble bath.
For the next concert, Berta Rojas will be performing February 6, 2010 at the Dumbarton Series in Washington DC.
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