New Four-Hand Piano Collection Celebrates Paraguayan Music

Paraguayan musician, composer, and educator Juan Sebastián Giménez Riveros is launching Paraguayan Four-Hand Piano Collection (Piano Paraguayo a Cuatro Manos), Volumes 1 and 2, with a free concert on Saturday, 18 July 2026. The event begins at 18:00 in the Carlos Lara Bareiro Auditorium of the Association of Paraguayan Musicians in Asunción. The collection features four-hand piano arrangements of traditional Paraguayan folk music, seeking to support music education while introducing the national repertoire to wider audiences.

The launch combines a book presentation with live performances by teachers and students who collaborated on the project. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase the publications and accompanying teaching materials developed for music education.

Paraguayan classics reimagined for piano duet

The collection adapts well-known Paraguayan folk compositions for piano four hands. This format allows two pianists to perform together on a single piano. According to Giménez Riveros, the project seeks to offer a carefully curated selection of national repertoire. At the same time, to encourage collaborative performance and provide new resources for music teachers and students.

The books include arrangements of works such as Virginia, Caballería, London Karape No. 1, Musiqueáda che ámape, Mi dicha lejana, 3 de Mayo, and Recuerdos de Ypacaraí, among other recognised pieces from Paraguay’s musical tradition. During the launch, selections from both volumes will be performed live by musicians involved in the publication.

Performers include Prof. Laura S. Henning and students from the Clara Schumann School of Music. Also, Prof. Shirley & Co., Prof. Elías Camiños Antúnez, Walter Dos Santos Antola, and Juan Ángel Arce from Pilar. Additionally, Prof. Pablo Yegros of the Colnago Conservatory of Music, and students from the Filarmonía School of Music & Arts.

Supporting music education

The first edition of Volume 1 was published by Blas Acosta Ediciones, which has also released other works by the composer. Special editions of both volumes, prepared directly by Giménez Riveros, will be available exclusively during the launch event. Alongside the sheet music, the publisher has produced classroom resources designed to support music education. These materials will also be available for purchase, offering additional tools for teachers and students working with Paraguayan repertoire.

According to the composer, the publications have already reached musicians across Paraguay and have also been distributed internationally. This was possible through collaborators in the Paraguayan Chaco, reaching North America and Europe, including Germany.

Recordings available online

The arrangements are already available to listen to on Giménez Riveros’ YouTube channel. The first recordings were performed by students of Professor Lotty Falk in Loma Plata, who gave the earliest interpretations of the arrangements.

Born in 1995, Giménez Riveros has developed a career as a pianist, composer, arranger, and educator. His work focuses on expanding the presence of Paraguayan music in concert and educational settings through original compositions, arrangements, and teaching materials. The launch of Piano Paraguayo a Cuatro Manos continues that effort by introducing a new format for performing traditional Paraguayan music.

Event details

The launch and concert will take place on Saturday, 18 July 2026, at 18:00, in the Carlos Lara Bareiro Auditorium of the Association of Paraguayan Musicians. The venue is located at 15 de Agosto 1365, Asunción. Admission is free, and further information is available by calling +595 994 387 941.