This Thursday, April 10th, the Teatro Municipal hosts a special night of classical music with the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Ciudad de Asunción – featuring Christoph Wagner, a guest soloist you won’t forget!
When Christoph Wagner steps on stage, you’re in for a surprise. Standing 192 cm tall, the striking German could easily be mistaken for a sportsman. But the moment he draws his bow, it’s clear – his life belongs to the cello. Audiences worldwide have experienced his powerful presence, and as Christoph says, every country responds to his music in its own way. How will Paraguay receive him?
Meet the Extraordinary Christoph Wagner
The first time he picked up a cello, one of the most challenging instruments in classical music, Christoph was only six years old. Today, he balances a teaching role at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, with a performance schedule that takes him around the world. And the best part? He has a special passion for Paraguay.
The Traveling Cellist
“When I travel with my cello, I always buy two seats on the plane,” Christoph says with a grin.
Wherever he goes, performing is only part of the journey. He also teaches, gives masterclasses, and finds joy in connecting with local communities.
“When I’m teaching, I’m much more analytical,” he explains. As a university professor, he’s used to that structured, rational mindset. “But when I perform, it’s like being in the game. I need to be fully in the present moment.”
On stage, he describes his playing in three words: surrender, joy, and commitment.
While he’s taught masterclasses in Paraguay before, this week marks his debut concert in the country. In the days leading up to the concert, he’s given radio interviews and visited CEMTA, the Universidad Nacional de Asunción, and the inspiring youth orchestra program Sonidos de la Tierra.
But despite all the preparation – and years of experience – Christoph admits he still gets nervous before every concert. Especially now, with his first full performance in Paraguay just around the corner, the anticipation is real.
Why his Passion for Asunción and Paraguay?
For Christoph, it all comes down to the people. “They’re what makes Paraguay such a special country for me.”
At the last concert he attended here in Asunción, one thing caught him by surprise: the audience was much younger than what he’s used to in the United States or Europe. “It’s something I don’t often see at classical concerts,” he says, clearly delighted.
That youthful energy is part of what draws him in – but ultimately, it’s the emotional connection with the audience that matters most. “I don’t play for the audience – I play with them.” He loves when people are engaged, responsive, and actively sharing the experience.
In the U.S., he’s used to polite applause. In Germany, he’s experienced ten-minute standing ovations. In Italy, audiences are famously vocal – even during the performance.
“I’m very curious to see how the audience in Paraguay will respond,” he says with a smile.
What’s Next for Christoph Wagner?
Christoph’s dream is to return to Paraguay regularly – to build friendships and contribute to a growing musical community here – and has already been persuaded to join Instagram for the first time by a cohort of Paraguayan fans! He’s already playing with an idea: “It would be wonderful to launch an international cello festival right here.”
But first, all eyes are on this Thursday’s concert at the Teatro Municipal, where Christoph will perform alongside the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Ciudad de Asunción, conducted by Swiss-Paraguayan maestro Johannes Krohn ..
The best part? Admission is free – as long as seats last.
📍 Teatro Municipal
🕗 8:00 to 9:30 PM | Thursday, April 10
Follow Christoph Wagner on Instagram here!
