- Latvia’s balta Riga women’s choir crowned winner of the 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest in Torrevieja, Spain.
- The choir won top awards including the Habaneras “Ricardo lafuente” and Polyphony “Juan Aparicio” prizes, plus special recognitions for highest score and best direction.
- Singing 31 pure female voices, Balta Riga captivated the audience with pieces like “Blanco Valero” and “La Dulce Habanera.”
- Slovenia’s France Prešeren Kranj choir and South Korea’s Agados Singers also earned podium finishes demonstrating the contest’s global caliber.
- The event showcased multicultural vocal performances, emphasizing music’s role as a universal language and highlighting Torrevieja’s cultural prestige.
Latvian Women’s Choir Balta Riga Shines at 71st Torrevieja Habaneras and Polyphony Contest
The 71st edition of the International Habaneras and Polyphony contest, held in the coastal city of Torrevieja (Alicante), Spain, ended on a high note with the remarkable victory of the Latvian women’s choir Balta Riga. composed of 31 pure white voices and led by renowned director Mara Marnauza, the choir dominated the competition, securing the top prizes in both habaneras and polyphony categories.
A Night of Triumph for Balta Riga
Balta Riga was awarded the coveted Habaneras “Ricardo Lafuente” first prize with a €12,000 cash prize,alongside the Polyphony “Juan Aparicio” first prize worth €10,000. But their success did not stop there-they also received the special award from the Provincial Council of Alicante for the highest overall score (an additional €10,000), as well as the Best Direction “José Hódar Talavera” honor for Mara Marnauza’s remarkable leadership.
During the gala, Balta Riga performed with remarkable sensitivity and precision, delivering poignant renditions of “Blanco valero” and “La Dulce Habanera.” The choir also led a joint performance of the contest’s traditional compulsory habanera, “Torrevieja es así,” composed by Mario Bustillo with lyrics by Mari Paz Andréu.
Overwhelmed with pride, director Mara Marnauza saeid, “I am very happy and grateful. At first, I didn’t fully understand which awards we had won, but my emotion and gratitude to the organizers, fellow participants, and my choir members is immense.“
International Excellence on Display
The contest’s global reach was clear as other top choirs also claimed significant prizes:
| Prize Category | Winner | Origin | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Prize in Habaneras “Francisco Vallejos” | France Prešeren Kranj | Slovenia | €5,000 |
| Second Prize in Polyphony “César Cánovas” | France Prešeren Kranj | Slovenia | €4,000 |
| Third Prize in Habaneras “Francisco Grau” | Agados Singers | South Korea | €2,500 |
| Third Prize in Polyphony | Agados Singers | South Korea | – |
| Fourth Prize in Habaneras | Voskesinnia & Voci del Mare | Ukraine & Colombia | – |
The Colombian choirs, including Voci del Mare and Zebtysqua Voces Oscuras, were also highly celebrated, with the latter receiving the Audience award for their dynamic performances.
A Celebration of Culture and Music
The closing gala, declared an event of international tourist interest and honored with the Valencia Generalitat’s Cultural Merit medal, brought together the six best choirs to celebrate cultural diversity and the deep tradition of habaneras music. The sold-out event not onyl displayed exceptional vocal talents but also underscored music as a universal language linking communities worldwide.
Eduardo Dolón, Mayor of Torrevieja and president of the contest’s organizing board, highlighted the multicultural spirit of the festival, stating, “this is a fundamental part of Torrevieja – and music is the universal language.” He shared exciting plans to host the next contest outdoors on the Vista Alegre Promenade by the sea, once the new auditorium is completed.
Dolón expressed gratitude to the Generalitat Valenciana and Alicante Provincial Council for their financial support, emphasizing a shared commitment to growing this prestigious event.
Additionally,María del Mar Sáez,Vice President of the Provincial Council of Alicante,described Torrevieja as ”an international showcase this week,” while Marián Cano,Culture and Tourism Minister of the Generalitat Valenciana,reaffirmed the regional government’s support,highlighting the contest’s role in boosting cultural tourism throughout the valencian community.
Why the Torrevieja Habaneras Contest Matters
- Heritage Preservation: The contest promotes the traditional habaneras genre, a musical style rooted in Caribbean and Spanish folklore.
- International Collaboration: Attracts world-class choirs, fostering cultural exchange and musical excellence.
- Tourism Boost: Draws international visitors and media attention,supporting local economy and culture.
- Community Engagement: Highlights Torrevieja’s identity as a vibrant cultural hub.
With 71 successful editions to its name, the torrevieja International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest continues to be a shining star in the global choral calendar, and Balta Riga’s resounding victory only adds to its prestige.
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