The National Secretariat of Culture, together with the Asociación Sonidos de la Tierra, has unveiled a new musical archive. The exhibition “Paths of the Baroque of the New Worlds – Sonidos de la Tierra” can be visited at the National Archive of Asunción. The collection was donated by the Fondation Rencontres Musicales de Saint Ulrich, Sarrebourg, France, and represents a significant addition to Paraguay’s cultural heritage. Alain Pacquier, president of the donating foundation, took part in the official launch. He highlighted the importance of entrusting this collection to Paraguay.
A unique collection of Baroque music
The archive originates from the music library of the Convent of Saint Ulrich. It includes scores and specialised books related to the Baroque repertoire developed in Latin America during the colonial period. Paraguay was chosen to receive the collection due to the extensive work carried out by Sonidos de la Tierra. The organisation has been fostering community music education and youth orchestras in the country for over two decades.
“The training programmes and youth orchestras created by Sonidos de la Tierra have ensured that this musical heritage has a home in Paraguay, accessible to both musicians and researchers,” said Pacquier during the ceremony.
Preserving and inspiring musical heritage
Minister Adriana Ortiz Semidei emphasised the value of the archive “Paths of the Baroque of the New Worlds” for research, study, and musical performance. “These scores will inspire new generations of musicians and researchers. They will also strengthen cultural dialogue and ensure that this heritage continues to live through performance and study,” she said.
Luis Szarán, representing Sonidos de la Tierra, added: “We are deeply grateful to the Fondation Rencontres Musicales de Saint Ulrich for trusting us with this invaluable Latin American heritage. This is the most comprehensive archive of its kind in the world, available to researchers, musicians, and students.”
Strengthening cultural cooperation
The archive not only preserves an important musical legacy. It also strengthens the National Archive of Asunción’s role in safeguarding the country’s documentary heritage. The project is part of a broader cultural cooperation agenda with France, including artistic exchanges and music education initiatives supported by the French Embassy in Paraguay and the Alliance Française of Asunción.
The National Archive of Asunción also currently hosts an exhibition running until April dedicated to women during the Guerra Guasu.
