Berta Rojas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Berta Rojas
Background information
Birth name	Berta Rojas
Born	(1966-09-23) 23 September 1966 (age 58) Asunción, Paraguay
Genres	Classical
Occupation(s)	Musician, professor
Instruments	Guitar
Years active	1992–present
Labels	On Music Recordings
Associated acts	Agustín Barrios, Paquito D'Rivera

Berta Rojas, born on September 23, 1966, is a famous classical guitarist from Paraguay. She is known for her beautiful music and has won many awards.

In 2022, Berta won a Latin Grammy Award for her album "Legado" (which means "Legacy"). It was named "Best Classical Album." Another song from the same album, "Anido's Portrait," also won an award for "Best Contemporary Classical Composition." Berta has been nominated for Latin Grammys three other times, showing how talented she is!

Early Life and Learning

Berta Rojas started playing music at a young age. Her first guitar lessons were with Emiliano Aiub Riveros. She then began formal classical guitar lessons at age 10. Her teachers were Felipe Sosa and Violeta de Mestral. At the same time, she also learned to play the piano.

In 1986, Berta moved to Uruguay to continue her guitar studies. She learned from a famous professor named Abel Carlevaro. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Guitar there.

Later, in 1996, Berta was recognized for her amazing artistic skills. This helped her study even more in the United States. She went to the Peabody Institute for her advanced studies. She earned a Master of Music degree and a Graduate Performance Diploma, learning from top guitarists.

Musical Journey and Achievements

Berta Rojas has performed her music all over the world. She has played with big orchestras, like the Irish Radio and Television Orchestra. She also performed on Belgian National Television.

Since 2011, Berta has toured many countries in the Americas. She often toured with Paquito D'Rivera, a famous Cuban saxophonist. Together, they released an album called Día y Medio (A Day and a Half). This album was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2012. Berta has also toured with Brazilian guitarist Carlos Barbosa-Lima.

Berta has released many studio albums. Her 1998 album, Intimate Barrios, was even listed as one of the "best recordings you can buy" by Gramophone magazine. Her album Cielo Abierto (2006) was praised for its "heart-touching musical artistry." In 2009, her album Terruño received excellent reviews from critics around the world.

In May 2015, Berta Rojas received special honors in Paraguay. She was called "Maestros del Arte" and "Illustrious Ambassador of Musical Art." She also released her album "History of Tango" with the Camerata Bariloche.

Berta received honorary doctorate degrees from two universities in 2016. In 2017, she was given the National Order of Merit for her work in culture. On May 8, 2017, she released her album "Felicidade" (Happiness). This album honored Brazilian music and featured famous artists like Gilberto Gil.

In July 2017, Berta received the Carlos Colombino award. This award recognized her important contributions to Paraguayan culture. In August 2017, she became the first Latin American guitar teacher at the Berklee College of Music. This is a very famous music school!

In June 2018, Berta performed with the well-known Australian guitarist John Williams. They played a tribute to Agustín Barrios Mangoré in London. In 2019, the National University of Asunción also gave her an honorary doctorate.

On May 24, 2022, Berta released her album "Legado." This album celebrates the women who were pioneers in classical guitar. That same year, she won "La Guitarra de Oro Award" (The Golden Guitar Award) for her dedication to the guitar. In 2023, she received the highest award from Paraguay, the National Order of Merit in the Grade of "Grand Cross."

Helping Music Grow

Berta Rojas does a lot to help music grow and be appreciated. She has been the artistic director for many music competitions and festivals. These events help new musicians and share beautiful music with more people.

She also started and directed the Barrios World Wide Web Competition. This competition helps guitarists from all over the world. Berta has also led many educational tours in Paraguay. These tours, called "Con Berta Rojas hoy toca Mangoré," bring music to schools.

She also led the "In the Footsteps of Mangore" tour. This tour visited many countries in Latin America. Berta also helps with the Guitar Orchestra "Pu Rory" Ensemble.

Music Albums

Here is a list of Berta Rojas's albums:

• Berta Rojas interprets Agustin Barrios – 1992
• Concierto Latinoamericano – 1995
• Concierto Latinoamericano – 1997
• Intimate Barrios – 1998
• Guitarra Adentro – 2002
• Cielo Abierto – 2006
• Alma y Corazón – 2007
• Flores de Asunción – 2008
• Paraguay According to Agustin Barrios – 2008
• Terruño – 2009
• Día y Medio – 2012
• Salsa Roja – 2013
• Historia del Tango (History of Tango) – 2015
• Felicidade (Happiness) – 2017
• Legado – 2022

See also

In Spanish: Berta Rojas para niños