Paraguayan guitarist Berta Rojas has received the 2026 Honorary Guitarist José Tomás Award, the highest distinction bestowed by the 29th edition of the Petrer International Guitar Festival, titled "A Legacy That Continues".
The award ceremony took place on July 22 at the Caixapetrer Auditorium in Petrer, Alicante, following a concert in which Rojas performed a repertoire dedicated to Paraguayan music and the history of the tango of Astor Piazzolla. She was accompanied by the Sgarabotto string quartet and Paraguayan guitarists Micaela Núñez and Pedro Martínez as special guests.
The award, which annually recognizes a distinguished personality in the world of guitar, was presented by a committee formed by the festival's organization, the PIMA Classical Guitar Association, and students of maestro José Tomás. Rojas joins a list of honorees that includes names such as Leo Brouwer, David Russell, and Julian Bream.
Pepe Payá, the festival's director, highlighted Rojas's career and her work in promoting Paraguayan and South American music during the ceremony. In her speech, the guitarist thanked them for the recognition and expressed her love for Petrer, wishing for her country "a simple life, safeguarded in love, peace, respect, music, and art."
In addition to the award, Rojas was received by the Mayor of Petrer, Irene Navarro Díaz, at the city hall, where she signed the Book of Honor. Her participation in the festival also included a masterclass on July 24 and 25, concluding her time in the Spanish city.