The renowned German cellist Christoph Wagner returns to Paraguay on Friday, 28 November 2025, offering an unforgettable night of music with the National Police Band (Banda de la Policía Nacional). This concert will present a Symphonic Night Of Gulda, never before performed in Paraguay. The performance marks the Paraguay premiere of a rare concerto and serves as the gala event of the first International Cello Festival in Asunción.
A celebrated artist returns to Paraguay
Eight months after his last visit, when he captivated audiences with a powerful live cello performance, Christoph Wagner is back in Asunción. Known for his expressive playing and international career, Wagner has spent the past months touring across North America and Europe.
“I have played different tours within America in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver, Seattle, Portland,” he tells The Asunción Times. “And then a tour in Germany, where I played with two different orchestras. I had a tour in the Bay Area, San Francisco, in October.”
He also recently completed a residency in Virginia, but one of his proudest moments came earlier this year. “One of the most memorable moments was the performance of the Beethoven Triple Concerto with the internationally renowned conductor Michael Sanderling.”
Now, he returns to Paraguay with a new mission… and a major musical surprise.
Symphonic Night Of Gulda, A Paraguay premiere
This concert will present a piece never before performed in Paraguay: Friedrich Gulda’s Concerto for Cello and Wind Orchestra, an electrifying work from 1980 that blends classical, jazz, folk, Austrian dance music, and extreme virtuosity.
“The audience can expect the Paraguay premiere of this concerto by Friedrich Güller,” Wagner explains. “It is a very special concerto because it is written for solo cello and wind orchestra… From beautiful song-like playing to crazy stuff and extreme virtuosity.”
The Symphonic Night Of Gulda performance features the National Police Band, described by Wagner as “a really fantastic wind orchestra,” under the direction of guest conductor Johannes Krohn.
“The idea is to kickstart the festival with this special concert.” This event also serves as the gala concert of Asun-Cello, the first International Cello Festival in Asunción.
“I feel my work can actually contribute to people’s lives.”
Wagner’s connection with Paraguay has deepened through time. “I have experienced a wonderful community and interest. My favourite part about performing in Asunción is really feeling that wonderful sense of community. I feel my work can actually contribute to people’s lives.”
His artistic mission remains unchanged: “My mission is to change, to transform the world through music.”
A message to the audience
Wagner extends a heartfelt invitation to everyone in Paraguay: “I think it is truly going to be a memorable event. Something people probably will not have a chance to experience in Paraguay in this form for quite a while.”
Admission is free and no reservation is required. The venue is the Universidad Nacional de Asunción (UNA) in San Lorenzo, and the concert is scheduled to begin at 20:00.
For more information, write a message to +595 987 121041
