Five months.
Is this the first concert you've played here?
Not the first, but it's one of the biggest I've played so far.
Is it the first time you've played to such a big audience?
Not the first time - but this audience is different, they really love the music.
Have you always played together with your father?
I started with my father. He's always accompanied me on the guitar in all my performances.
Was the harp your first instrument?
Yes. I come from a family of harpists. My father plays the harp and I also have an uncle who's a professional harp player.
Are the songs you play typical harp songs, or are they also played on other instruments like the tres, the guitar and so on?
My music is folk music, but I'm also influenced by latin music, from Brazil, Colombia . But what I played just now was Paraguayan music.
Are you studying here in England?
I'm studying English - I really like the language - but also music. Since I've only been here for five months, I'm currently doing entrance exams for the conservatory. But I learned the harp in Paraguay, so I can't learn the harp here! If I learn the harp, it would be classical harp, or another instrument.
Does the harp have very deep roots in Paraguayan music? For a European audience it might seem a strange combination, because we think of the harp as an elegant orchestral instrument.
Yes, that's true. I have a folk harp, but I also have a keyed chromatic harp. I'm currently implementing some new rhythms, opening my mind a bit to new rhythms. I like all kinds of music, I go to classical, rock and pop concerts. But I always have my Paraguayan roots - I carry the rhythm in my blood, I carry my harp everywhere.
Are you planning to play more concerts in this country?
The first time I came to England was for a harp festival in Stanford. Later on, I was invited back to the same festival, and to other festivals in Scotland, like the Edinburgh Harp Festival. I've made English friends, and they've set up concerts for me in various parts of England . So I'm developing my art in other parts, and getting to know the culture also.
Listen Live
help
Listen to the gig
