The Journey of Strings: Paraguayan classical guitarist Berta Rojas explores the guitar’s history and evolution in Latin America

Paraguayan classical guitarist Berta Rojas has been fulfilling a dream to explore the guitar’s history and evolution in Latin America starting with the 15th century, from the arrival of the vihuela and early guitars brought by conquistadors to the creation of unique string instruments that voice the soul of the continent’s people. 

Over two years, travelling to 10 countries, Berta collaborated with 17 guest artists, each performing on string instruments native to Latin America—some tracing their origins back hundreds of years.  The result is a project that encompasses vinyl, streaming platforms, performance videos, and an innovative AR-enhanced book. There are eleven tracks in all, each accompanied by a performance video, exploring instruments from the sonorous bass of the giant 25-string Chilean guitarrón to the more mandolin-like Puerto Rican cuatro.

Berta Rojas & Evangelina Mascardi (Photo: Sol Capasso)

You can explore further at The Journey of Strings website, and there is a YouTube playlist.