Culture

Ermonala Jaho "The best international artist" in Spain

Ermonela Jaho

Ermonela Jaho amazed and excited the audience at the "Teatro de la Zarzuela" in Madrid at the "Ópera XXI Awards" ceremony where she performed "Senza mamma", from the opera "Suor Angelica" by Puccini

"I want to thank the jury and the Spanish public for the evaluation. I feel privileged for the love that Spain has given me and continues to give me. I hope my work inspires a new generation who will continue to improve the world with their art. Long live music, long live art, long live artists", wrote soprano Ermonela Jaho, laureate of the "Best International Artist" award at the "Ópera XXI Awards" in Spain

The well-known Albanian soprano, Ermonela Jaho, has brought elegance and excitement to the theater "Teatro de la Zarzuela" in Madrid, which was the host of the sixth edition of the "Ópera XXI Awards" ceremony, which honors the best in the opera scene in Spain . 

Jaho, on Tuesday night, was awarded the "Best International Artist" award, for her outstanding contribution. Upon appearing on stage, the soprano Jaho expressed her gratitude for the warmth that is given to her every time she performs in Spain.

"A special pleasure to be chosen 'Best International Artist' by 'Opera XXI', and to accept this award at the 'Zarzuela' theater in Madrid last evening. I want to thank the jury and the Spanish public for the appreciation. I feel privileged for the love that Spain has given me and continues to give me. I hope my work inspires a new generation who will continue to improve the world with their art. Long live music, long live art, long live artists", wrote the Albanian soprano in a recent post on Facebook.

Jaho also amazed and excited the audience in the hall by performing, "Senza mamma", from the opera "Suor Angelica" by Puccini, accompanied on the piano by Ramón Grau. 

The jury of this edition consisted of music critics and journalists working inside and outside of Spain such as: Fernando Sans Rivière, Pablo Meléndez, Javier Pérez Senz, Maricel Chavarría, Alejandro Martínez Rodríguez, Ana Vega Toscano, Mariela Rubio, Richard Césarca Martet, Gonzalo Alonso , Justo Romero, Victora Stapells and Juan Antonio Muñoz.

The sixth edition of the "Ópera XXI" ceremony, which celebrates the lyrical scene in Spain, brought together prominent representatives of the operatic world in one place. The event, chaired by Bárbara Lluch, began with the awarding of the international artist award to continue with 18 other awards and three honorary awards.

The "Award for the best singer" went to Juan Jesús Rodríguez, who chose to give up his award after giving a speech about the lack of national presence in the country's lyric charts and the heavy weight of artistic agencies in compiling the seasons of concerts.

Joan Pons was honored for his dedication and career by receiving the "Lifetime Achievement Award". He was accepted on stage by Pons's daughter. Awards were also handed out to Ángeles Blancas, who was awarded "Best Female Singer" and Serena Sáenz as "Best New Singer", who was also among the performers of the evening performing the aria "Regnava nel silenzio ” from the opera “Lucia de Lammermoor” by Gaetano Donizetti.

The touching tribute to the late artists was accompanied by the sentimental waltz of Enrique Granados, performed by pianist Ramón Grau.

Isamay Benavente, current president of the "Ópera XXI" association, emphasized the importance of cooperation and the challenges faced by this sector. "Our association is committed to share ideas, to seek better solutions for theaters, for our activity, to improve the management side, to promote courses, and finally to exchange knowledge. We are involved in several battles: improving taxation, working for sustainability in our spaces, promoting changes that facilitate employment and promoting these rewards, which we want to be more and more inclusive in all sectors", said Benavente.

The "Spanish Lyric Heritage Award" for the best initiative, interpretation, direction or production of the Spanish lyric repertoire went to the opera "San Franco de Sena" by Emilio Arrieta. On stage, the manager of the "Baluarte" foundation, Rubén Jauquicoa, accepted the award.

The "Prize for new lyrical and contemporary creation" went to the operatic play "Orgia" composed by Hèctor Parra, a co-production of the theater house "Arriaga", the festival "Castell de Peralada" and the "Gran Teatre del Liceu".

The evening ended with the distribution of the three biggest awards. Josep Pons was honored in the category "Best Musical Direction", Juan Echanove for "Best Stage Direction" and Justin Way received the award for "Best Lyrical Production" for the opera "La nariz" by Shostakóvich.

Tuesday's ceremony also honored national talent, with the introduction of five new categories that award prizes for technical and creative work in Spanish theaters. Prizes were awarded to outstanding professionals, such as Eduardo Bravo, who received the "Best Lighting Award", Franc Aleu for "Best Video Production", Jesús Ruiz for "Best Costume" and Daniel Bianco for "Best Scenography". good".

This text is based on the reporting of "Melomano".