Berta Rojas receives top honor at Petrer International Guitar Festival

Renowned Paraguayan guitarist Berta Rojas has been honored with the prestigious Guitarist José Tomás Honorary Award, the highest distinction bestowed by the Petrer International Guitar Festival in Spain. The award recognizes Rojas's significant artistic contributions and her dedicated efforts in promoting Paraguayan and South American music globally.

The 29th edition of the festival, held in Petrer, Alicante, saw Rojas receive the accolade on July 22nd following her concert at the Salón de Actos Caixapetrer. Her performance included a curated selection of Paraguayan music alongside works by Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. The event featured special guest performances by the Sgarabotto string quartet and fellow Paraguayan guitarists Micaela Núñez and Pedro Martínez.

The Guitarist José Tomás Honorary Award is the festival's principal recognition, annually celebrating distinguished figures in classical guitar. Previous recipients include acclaimed artists such as Leo Brouwer, David Russell, and the Assad Duo. The selection committee, comprising festival organizers, the PIMA Classical Guitar Association, and students of Maestro José Tomás, unanimously chose Rojas for this year's honor.

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It represents an honor to receive a distinction linked to the legacy of Maestro José Tomás.

During the award ceremony, festival director Pepe Payá lauded Rojas's international career and her role in disseminating music from Paraguay and South America. Upon receiving the award, Rojas expressed her gratitude, calling it an honor to be associated with the legacy of Maestro José Tomás. She dedicated her acceptance speech to Paraguay, conveying her hope for the nation to find solace in "love, peace, respect, music, and art."

Following the ceremony, Rojas met with the mayor of Petrer, Irene Navarro Díaz, at the City Hall, where she signed the Book of Honor. Her participation concluded with two days of masterclasses on July 24th and 25th, further contributing to the festival's educational program.

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I wish that the country can live sheltered in love, in peace, in respect, in music, and in art.