ASUNCIÓN, PARAGUAY – To mark the 100th anniversary of Guarania, Paraguay's representative musical genre, the Borja School of Lutherie (Escuela de Luthería Borja) is paying tribute to Guarania and its founder, José Asunción Flores, through an innovative project titled "The Guitar, Instrument of Guarania (La guitarra, instrumento de la guarania)." This project goes beyond a simple instrument exhibition, aiming to fuse music, art, and craftsmanship to capture the essence of Paraguay's cultural heritage.
A Century of Guarania and the Borja School's Dedication
Born in 1925 by José Asunción Flores, Guarania has become a musical symbol of Paraguayan identity. Flores, a cellist and composer, created Guarania's unique atmosphere by combining traditional polka rhythms with lyrical melodies and slow tempos. His representative works, such as 'India,' 'Guarania,' 'Jejuí,' and 'Mburicaó,' are deeply etched in the hearts of the Paraguayan people.
The Borja School of Lutherie, with a century-long tradition, conceived this project to commemorate Guarania's historical significance and transmit its value to future generations. Led by Master Luthier Aníbal Borja and his daughter Luz Borja, the project aims to visually and audibly embody the spirit of Guarania by creating seven thematic guitars.
A Masterpiece Forged by Music, Art, and Craftsmanship
The core of this project is the creation of seven thematic guitars inspired by representative Guarania songs. Each guitar transcends being merely an instrument; it transforms into a work of art reflecting the spirit of Flores' iconic compositions like 'India,' 'Jejuí,' and 'Mburicaó.' Students and master luthiers from the Borja School participate in the guitar-making process, showcasing traditional handcrafting techniques.
Adding a unique visual dimension, prominent Paraguayan visual artists are also involved. They were selected through a sketch competition inspired by eight works by Flores and other Guarania composers. Their artistic talent will be realized on the guitars using mosaic and other guitar craftsmanship techniques to create original designs. Notably, the Borja Roseta, the symbol of the Borja School, will be applied to the guitars using handcrafted mosaic techniques, adding exclusive artistry.
Beyond guitar production, the project includes lectures on Flores' life and works, a touring exhibition of the crafted instruments, and a grand finale concert titled 'Night of Guaranias (Noche de Guaranias).' The finale concert, particularly, will be held on August 27th at the El Cabildo Cultural Center, coinciding with Flores' birthday and Guarania Day, making it an even more meaningful event.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Investment for Future Generations
This project addresses three main challenges: musicological research to understand Guarania's historical and social context, the artistic design of the guitars, and the technical production based on the Borja family's exceptional craftsmanship. Aníbal Saucedo Rodas, Executive Director of the El Cabildo Cultural Center, positively assessed this project, stating that it will significantly contribute to strengthening Paraguay's intangible cultural heritage.
Luz Borja stated, "The soul of Guarania is in the guitar. We want to pay a living tribute through our techniques, training, creativity, and roots." Although the Borja School of Lutherie has trained over 300 students in the past 11 years, it faces the risk of closure due to financial difficulties. This project is not merely a celebration of Guarania's 100th anniversary; it also carries the meaning of a 'cultural resistance activity' to highlight the school's survival and the importance of preserving traditional Paraguayan techniques.
While official support from the Paraguayan Handicrafts Institute (IPA) and the El Cabildo Cultural Center has not yet been confirmed, the project has already garnered significant interest and anticipation. This initiative appears to be an important step for the love, memory, and future of Paraguayan culture.
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