There are melodies that are not only heard, but deeply felt within the heart. They go beyond the strings of an instrument, and can come to embody the very identity of a nation. Such is the music that flows from the hands of Marcelo Rojas, one of Paraguay’s most internationally acknowledged harpist, whose DNA carries not only talent, but the legacy of Paraguayan tradition.
It is more than mere sound. His story is not simply that of a musician, but of a bridge between past and present, woven together through sheet music and a harp. Rojas represented Paraguay at many festivals and conferences, and has won several awards in national and international competitions.
The Paraguayan harp as a national symbol
Every 9th of June, Paraguay celebrates National Harp Day in honour of the legacy of Félix Pérez Cardozo, one of the country’s greatest harpists. The Paraguayan harp, born from the adaptation of instruments brought by the Jesuits and transformed through the sensibility of the Guaraní people, has become a sonic emblem of our identity.
“The harp holds a very special place within Paraguayan culture,” Marcelo begins. “I believe it is the most representative instrument of our musical heritage, as through it, we can connect with other cultures around the world.”
Traditional melodies that speak of the land, of history, and of the Paraguayan soul find in the harp a faithful vehicle for becoming eternal. This instrument, with its unmistakable sound, has remained relevant thanks to performers like Marcelo, who proudly take it to stages across the globe.
To him, the harp still has much to offer: “Its a very versatile instrument that allows for the interpretation of all musical genres. Its potential is limitless,” he says, also highlighting the technical advances that open up new musical possibilities while preserving its original essence.
Growing up among strings
Marcelo Rojas grew up in Yuty, in the department of Caazapá, and discovered the harp at the age of ten, in a home where music was not merely a pastime, but part of the very air one breathed. His father, Aquiles Rojas, and his grandfather, Martín Rojas, also felt a special connection with the instrument, passing down not just knowledge, but a deep love for its sound.
Years later, Marcelo moved to Asunción to continue his training. His teachers, whom he honours with respect and gratitude, remain a source of inspiration to this day. “Even now, I continue to refine my technique,” he says humbly, reminding us that true talent blossoms only through dedication and love for the craft.
Marcelo Rojas puts Paraguay on the map
One of the most unforgettable moments in Marcelo’s career was his first solo trip to Japan. There, he presented his debut album, Arpa Joven (Young Harp), and was warmly received. He served as a judge in a harp competition and performed concerts in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.
That journey marked a turning point, not only affirming his status as an international artist but also sparking curiosity in thousands of people who, upon hearing him, discovered for the first time a place called Paraguay.
Marcelo has taken his music to countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Switzerland, Spain, and England, among others. For him, each trip is an opportunity to learn and a space for cultural exchange.
Inspiration, homeland, and family
Marcelo’s inspiration springs from the deeply personal. His hometown was the subject of his first composition, Hechizo del Itakarú (Itakarú Spell). He also wrote a polka for his daughter, Mairena Jazmín. “The beauty of a place, the emotions stirred by a person, these are the true sources of inspiration,” he shares with emotion.
Unlike many artists who fear that traditional art will be forgotten, Marcelo chooses to act. He fuses the traditional with the contemporary without losing the essence, proving that art can evolve without abandoning its roots. He is an artist who does not remain trapped in nostalgia, but seeks to propel the harp into the future.
“I feel great satisfaction seeing young people take an interest in the harp. That gives me peace of mind: our musical culture will live on in their hands.”
To listen to Marcelo play is not only to hear music, but to experience the deep commitment of an artist who gives himself entirely to the art of moving others. Every note he plays is an invitation to discover the beauty of the Paraguayan harp and to be part of its sonic journey.
A dream you can hear
Marcelo Rojas does not just play the harp, he lives it. Each performance, each composition, each lesson is part of a greater dream: to earn the respect of his peers and his audience. “That respect strengthens my commitment to the instrument that symbolises our musical culture,” he confides. His story is a living tribute to art, to family, to country and to the future. It is proof that tradition, when carried with passion, can be as powerful as a revolution. With his harp, Marcelo Rojas reminds us that Paraguay sounds beautiful if we know how to listen.
