Carla Soto
The Venezuelan cuatro, is the national guitar of the country, which has four single nylon strings.
A cuatro player is called a cuatrista.
As a Venezuelan Spanish teacher and dancer, based in Toronto, this time I want to talk about one of my favourite musical instruments. The predecessor of the Venezuelan cuatro is the four-string Spanish renaissance guitar which disappeared in the 16th century. In the 1950s, Fredy Reyna documented the evolution of the renaissance guitar into the current Venezuelan Cuatro, and reinvented the cuatro as a solo instrument, equally capable of rendering traditional Venezuelan music as well as Renaissance pieces.
Most of Venezuelan folkloric music relies on this small and strong sound guitar, as its rhythmic and harmonic base. It is used in most genres of the different regions of Venezuela, such as Joropo, Venezuelan, Gaita Galerón or Calypso. It’s been used to accompany Jazz, Waltz, Parang, Soca, merengue, fl;amenco and more.
Luis Anselmi
A scholar of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, skillfully merges his Venezuelan roots with diverse world music influences. Proficient in playing the Venezuelan Cuatro, piano, and lending his voice to both singing and songwriting, he performs with his band ‘GRATITUD’. Together, they create a vibrant Latin-World sound that seamlessly blends each member’s unique cultural background. With intricate rhythms and uplifting lyrics, their music is a captivating celebration that will inspire you to dance!
With the support of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, Luis completed the Music Performance program at Holland College’s School of Performing Arts and the Bachelor of Music Program at Humber College. Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments, he was honored with the Academic Award of Excellence from Humber College.
Luis Anselmi’s journey reflects the harmonious blend of artistic endeavor and community engagement, inviting all to partake in the joyous unity of cultural diversity, from his Hispanic roots to world class music.