Musical Traditions

An enthusiastic crowd of about three hundred welcomed harpists Alberto De la Rosa of Mexico and Marcelo Rojas of Paraguay to the Spectrum Theatre in Rosslyn. The two musicians performed on Friday, at the first of two concerts for Teatro de la Luna's Latin American harp festival. The second concert is today. Juan Aquino of Venezuela, a third musician scheduled to perform was a no- show due to an illness that prevented him from flying so De la Rosa and Rojas each added numbers to their sets at the last minute.

"The music of the harp transports you to the different sounds of each country and allow you to admire this beautiful instrument," said Alejandra Espinola, cultural attaché at the Embassy of Paraguay during the intermission.  She added, "Marcelo is brilliant and I'm thrilled to see him perform for such an appreciative audience."

Harp traditions are very strong in certain areas and countries of Latin America but the style of the music and the instruments vary from place to place. Mali Phonpadith, one of the volunteers at the event noted that this is the 4^th festival she has attended and each has been a unique experience. "One of the things I really appreciate about the harp festival is that you get musicians coming from different parts of Latin America and each brings a different style and rhythm," she said.

Nucky Walder, a producer with Teatro de La Luna had expressed concern before the show about the audience's reaction to the absent musician. By intermission, it was clear by the loud clapping and cheers that the audience had quickly recovered from any disappointment. Walder expressed her gratitude for the support the Hispanic arts organization receives in Arlington and thanked the Cultural Affairs Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources and the Arlington Commission for the Arts.  

Pamela Steve and Rick Henderson, who were attending the concert for the first time, said at intermission that they were really enjoying themselves. To describe how he felt about De la Rosa's music Henderson said, "He evokes his country very well—you are transported to the streets of Mexico as you hear him play."  Asked to give his opinion on Rojas, Henderson said, "Marcelo is a virtuoso, even to an untrained ear." Steven agreed, "He was very, very good," she smiled and added, "You can hear his soul."

To learn more or to purchase tickets, please visit www.teatrodelaluna.org or call (703) 548- 3092.