Golden Strings

Harpist Mariano Gonzalez to perform in benefit.

The Cochise Community Foundation presents harpist Mariano Gonzalez Ramirez in concert on November 30 in Sierra Vista. Gonzalez, a Paraguayan harp performer, specializes in jazz, semi-classical and South American Spanish repertoire.

Gonzalez's grandfather, a leading harpist, taught him the basics of the Paraguayan harp when he was 7 years old. He later trained at the Art and Cultural Center in Asuncion, Paraguay. Realizing the limitations of the Paraguayan harp, Gonzalez developed a new design that allowed for instant chromatic alteration. This expanded the scope of the harp to include all kinds of music, including jazz and pop.

Gonzalez has performed for audiences throughout the world, from Washington, D.C., to Las Vegas and from England to Japan. In Sierra Vista, Nina and Eligio Palacia, famed guitar performers from Paraguay, join Gonzalez. Both have won several world-class guitar competitions and now perform at concerts in the United States. The concert opens with Mexican singer and guitarist Oscar Gomez.