Group maralaPedreguer’s Sandra Monfort, Mallorca’s Clara Fiol, and Catalonia’s Selma Bruna claimed a pair of awards at the V Carles Santos Valencian Music Awards. The ceremony took place this Friday at the Teatro Principal de València and was organized by the Ministry of Culture. The trio from Marala emerged with the best record of the year and the most popular traditional music album for the project Jack to Die, Young and Trying to Solve the Mystery of Death with Root Music. Sandra Monfort, a Pedreguer native born in 1992, also earned a double triumph in the last Valencia music night, securing the new artist award and best album for her debut release. Amid jokes and laughter, the Maralans humorously thanked the men who supported their careers for the prize.
Meanwhile, the Pego-based group Smoking Spirits topped the nominations with three potential awards this year and ultimately won the best rock album for Exchange Rates. This project features carefully crafted songs that reflect a strong, cohesive sound. The band also recalled a previous win for best pop album two years ago, remarking in good spirits that they can now describe themselves as a pop-rock band. Alcoy’s Neus Ferry also took home the best pop album award for his new work to Search, a song about family, love, and hope. He credited the people who see beyond the surface and recognize the value in his music.
honor award
The award ceremony unfolded with music driving the narrative, weaving a story closely tied to the winners. The honor award came from the Generalitat’s Culture arm, highlighting live venues that host concerts for both emerging talents and established artists.
Education, Culture and Sports Minister delivered the recognition on behalf of Valencia’s Live Music Venues Association, presenting the award to the leaders of En Viu, with the Sala Euterpe in charge of Sant Joan also involved in the proceedings.
ceremony
Artistic pairs and ensembles anchored the night with memorable performances. The soprano Elia Casanova shared the stage with Carles Denia, while Laura Esparza joined Smoking Souls’ Carlos Caselles. Mireia Vives appeared alongside Toni de l’Hostel, and Monty Peiro performed with the carcass Vera. They offered renditions of songs by Mafalda as the NIU group provided a soft musical backdrop. Tere Núñez, Eva Catala, and Lucia Zambudio joined Marina Alcantud as music director for a dynamic display of collaboration and talent.
In addition, Kültür distributed awards across 18 categories with a total of 60 nominations, four per category. Nominees in album categories advanced directly to the best album and best song finals, and many received popular vote nominations for the public prize. Titan Noelia Llorens, with her self-titled album, was among the frontrunners for best traditional and popular music album.
The Audience Award was announced through social networks. The winner of the public prize was revealed by a vote on the awards website, inviting audience members to participate in the selection process.
rest of the winners
Xavi Sarria claimed two awards for best fusion and miscegenation album with Why and for best song with Do Not Smash Them Shut. Oliva’s singer-songwriter Clara Andres earned recognition for best songwriter album and for best graphic design work credited to James Marco and photographer Ana Roussel. Jimena Amarillo received the revelation artist or group award for How Can I Explain My Love, and the best urban music album went to Jazz Woman for Atlantis.
Screaming Pillows earned the best jazz recording for Screaming Pillows and Liao Brass. In the classical categories, Identity won best identity album and De Ribera & Navarro’s Masters of the Spanish Renaissance were honored as best ancient and baroque music album. The contemporary and experimental classical category concluded with David Miller for Physical Sound. The family music department highlighted Stories of Sedajazz, a release connecting jazz with stories for families.