New acquisitions and video share rich musical traditions

In MIM’s ever-changing galleries, there is always something different for guests to see and hear. Exhibits are frequently updated, and curators continue to conduct extensive fieldwork to share new instruments and objects, musical histories, video content, and more. Recently, the Paraguay exhibit in the Latin America Gallery was updated to incorporate new acquisitions and stories which highlight classical music and folk traditions blending Amerindian and Hispanic influences. Rare acquisitions include a concert guitar that renowned Paraguayan classical guitarist Berta Rojas won in her first national competition; a custom-made children’s harp that belonged to a daughter of Alfredo Stroessner, Paraguay’s former president; and a frame harp from Lorenzo Leguizamón, one of the most important composers and performers of Paraguayan traditional harp music.

Guests can also see a 1950s folk flute and drum set played in religious festivals and processions. MIM’s purchase of these historic instruments funded an apprenticeship where the only living instrument maker of the flute and drum tradition taught his craft to an apprentice to keep the practice alive. Circle of Friends members receive free museum admission year-round to see exciting updates like these throughout MIM’s galleries.

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