The guitar wiz from Paraguay

How nice to get a most refreshing bit of news and it is one that would momentarily take us away from the din of the rockers, DJs, rappers and other pop idols who usually inhabit our concert halls. Berta Rojas, the guitar goddess from Paraguay, who is known for her impeccable technique and innate musical mastery, is arriving next month to perform in concerts and give a master class to select classical guitar players. 

Berta Rojas in the Philippines is presented by the Independent Philippine Art Ventures, Inc. in cooperation with the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, Inc. She is set to perform at the Meralco Theater on May 15 at 8 p.m. This will be followed by another show in Cebu on May 17 at the Marcelo Fernan Hall in Lahug. She will play a mainly classical repertoire with a dash of jazz and the Latin salsa.

Now, I have a problem with the guitar. Doubtless a descendant of the lyre or lute of old, and believed to have come to its present form in Spain, the guitar has evolved into the most versatile of musical instruments. I love listening to the guitar but I am always torn between being caught up in the music and marveling over the technique of the interpreter. It is just plain amazing what 10 fingers can do with six strings and a few frets.

And then there is the guitar itself. Whether light and folksy with a down home vibe or howling in electric glory in a rock band, the guitar leaves me mesmerized. But, of course I know, it cannot do things on its own. A guitar needs fingers and Rojas, one of the greatest classical guitar players in the world today, has just the right sort of digits to pluck and strum those strings. I am not sure yet how I can be enthralled with the music and in awe of her dexterity at the same time. But even if l fail in this exercise, whatever comes to fore will be a fascinating  experience.

For a preview of what will happen in the show, you can listen to some of Berta’s recordings. I have the album Terruno, on the player as I am writing this. The title means “my place” or “my piece of land” and it is made up of music by various composers for the guitar from Latin America. The rhythms vary. Sometimes playful. Other times lyrical. But all throughout, there is Rojas with her effortless playing, precise phrasing and remarkable ability to convey moods. Her guitar speaks. How does she do that? Well, she does and hearts are all the richer because she can.

Pieces included are Laura and Pictures of Sark made up of Maseline Harbour, Havre Gosselin, Cycles in the Avenue, La Moinerie and Descent from La Coupee by Vincent Lindsey-Clark; Preludio and Danza from Pasaje Abierto by Edin Solis; Cancion Hacia Vos, Terruno and Alta Paz by Quique Sinesi; Frevo and Baiao Malandro by Egberto Gismonti; Che Galopa by Juan Falu; and Concordancias made up of Movido, Tranquilo, Tangueando, Andando and Movido da Capo by Walter Heinze.

Special guests at the Meralco show are Filipino classical guitarist Ramoncito Carpio and the all-girl classical contemporary guitar trio Triple Fret made up of Marga Abejo, Jenny de Vera and Iqui Vinculado. Carpio is the country’s most internationally-awarded guitarist. He is at present pursuing his doctorate in music with Dr. Angelito Agcaoili at the Philippine Women’s University. 

Carpio aIso has an album out. Titled Pahinungod, which is Cebuano for tribute, it features Primavera Portena by Astor Piazzolla; Iyo Kailan Pa Man by Angel Matias Pena; Fantasy Variations based on the Filipino folk song Sarung Banggi by Jose Valdez; La Catedral by Agustin Barrios Mangore; Variations Mignonnes from Bardenklange op. 13, 7 by Johann Kaspar Mertz; Fantasia on themes from La Traviata by Francisco Tarrega; Kayunbaba Suite for guitar op. 19 by Carlo Domeniconi; and the Pahinungod which Carpio himself composed.

 As for the master class, this will be held on May 14, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cedar Room of the Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas, which is also Rojas’ official residence, while in Manila. The master class is open and will be free of charge to guitar enthusiasts. Selected attendees will get the chance to play a piece before Ms. Rojas, who will then evaluate their technique, style, interpretation and even posture. This is a wonderful opportunity for students with whom she will spend 30 minutes each.

 Unfortunately, only six guitarists will be chosen. I do not know how the selection process will be done, but those interested can get in touch with Monch Carpio at [email protected] or at [email protected] for details. I recommend that those who do not make the cut also make it a point to attend the class. I am sure they will find being before a master like Berta Rojas and listening to her words of wisdom about the guitar most enriching.