“Is happy”. Someone who knows Joan Manuel Serrat very well says it: Victor Manuel. The Asturian singer-songwriter was also. No wonder: there are many years of linked voices, of intense and extensive tours, of shared vital score. It is much more than an award and that feeling reigned in the halls of the Barceló hotel after the decision of the jury of the “Princess of Asturias” of the Arts was made public.
It is a distinction that recognizes a formidable artistic career but also a journey towards many parts related to knowing how to be and be. In some way, and this is what the Foundation that organizes the awards expressed, it is musically and emotionally related to the award two years ago to María Pagés and Carmen Linares as representatives of flamenco: unequivocally Spanish talent.
The Catalan actor, director and producer Josep María Flotats He pointed out that Joan Manuel Serrat is not a reference for his “great artistic quality”, but rather an example of “civility and commitment to freedom.” According to the jury member, it represents “the value of poetry, music and the performer”, but also a generation and an era of a country, which “has been captured with great sensitivity and talent in its lyrics”, in the service of “tolerance and shared values”.
Serrat’s name was mentioned several times as a winner in past editions. The director of the Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, Miguel Zugazapresident of the jury, considers that “it was the moment of Serrat and of music that transcends the agora, the public space through song and poetry.”
This recognizes a “pathway building bridges between cultures and languages, and between the two parts of the Atlantic”, which “must be valued especially now.”
“It is also the memory of the country’s history and by rewarding Serrat we are also rewarding what has happened in our country from the Franco era to the present day: achieving freedom, democracy,” said Zugaza about who composed “the soundtrack of that great moment for this country.”
The photographer Isabel Muñoz Villalonga frames the singer-songwriter as a figure who brings “memory, emotion and a lot of heart”, but also hope at a time when the world needs it.
Stories that captivate
For Muñoz, the author of the immortal “Mediterráneo” tells stories that captivate, that become hymns and that are capable of moving all generations, which is why it is a “wonderful prize.”
The flamenco choreographer Maria Pages called to continue sharing his music, his message and his voice at a time when there is such a need for dialogue, consensus and to take his example beyond borders.
The social networks did not burn on this occasion with the award to Serrat but were filled with warm and grateful reactions, as befits someone who is part of the Spanish collective memory. Even from the political landscape, although there were also clamorous silences in some formations. The Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasunstressed the idea that Serrat made his songs “the soundtrack of many generations. His music, with which he has accompanied us for almost 60 years, makes him a unique reference for our culture.”
The socialist spokesperson in Congress, Patxi López, was excited by this award: “Serrat, we carry you in our souls. Congratulations!” From the PP, the Andalusian president, Juanma Morenopointed out that it is a well-deserved award for “a master of music who has managed to move several generations with his talent and the sensitivity of his songs.”
Cuca Gamarrageneral secretary of the PP, indicated that “from today his music is even more eternal. The first love that ‘Mediterranean’ or his songs ‘For Freedom’ meant to everyone will always remain,”
Javier Lambángeneral secretary of the Aragonese PSOE, highlighted “his wonderful work and himself as a person are two key elements of my life.”
“We feel very proud and very happy for this recognition of one of our most beloved partners. Serrat is an undisputed reference in Ibero-American culture and society. He has overcome and broken down physical, political and ideological borders throughout the world. He is a example of what vital commitment means. Congratulations, teacher,” declared the president of the General Society of Authors and Editors, Antonio Onetti.
The second vice president, Yolanda Diaz, described Serrat as “a musical and personal reference” with songs that are “hymns” that “entire generations” hum. The former Podemos deputy, Pablo Echeniquepointed out that “Serrat is the greatest and deserves all the awards they give him.”
