With a full Viña del Mar Municipal Theatre and a night infused with emotion, the 49th edition of the Dr. Luis Sigall Musical Performance International Competition came to an end. The contest, that gathered outstanding musicians from Chile and the world, reasserted the cultural leadership of the Valparaiso Region propelled by the PUCV.
The winner of the competition – organized by the Viña del Mar Cultural Corporation together with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and the Illustrious Municipality of Viña del Mar – was the young cellist from German-Chilean descent, Francisco Joui Karr, who’s family is originally from Quilpué. After a decade of not visiting Chile, he came back to perform in this competition, representing both countries, with previous outstanding performances in Europe.
After the award ceremony, he expressed his excitement for obtaining first place. “I am very happy to receive the honor of being awarded first place at this very important competition”, he noted, highlighting the physical and mental effort that his preparation took and his next academic challenge in Germany.
“It’s a combination of the physical and the mental aspects. I have to prepare very well to learn this pieces, but also be in shape to interpret extensive concerts. Being able to play in this big and beautiful theatre in Chile, its good enough, and winning first place is a tremendous honor. I will now go study with Professor Peter Brunz in Germany”, he expressed.
Second place was awarded to spanish performer David Martín Gutiérrez, while Johanness Gray from the United States obtained third place.
The event hosted national and international authorities. The rector of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Nelson Vásquez, emphasized the relevance of the competition and the commitment of the university to art, culture and territory.
“For the PUCV it is a joy to sponsor this annual event. A university that is committed to the city and the region cannot be absent from an activity that has transcended borders and multiple generations”, he emphasized.
In addition, he highlighted the role of the institution in the promotion of art and culture. “We are delighted to make our wonderful orchestra, our composition materials, our performers and organization capabilities available for an event of this international importance”, he stated.
For her part, the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Carolina Arredondo, valued Viña del Mar as an international stage. “The city continues to establish itself as a site where music has the opportunity to soar through the different scenarios that creates and carries out. From the Viña del Mar International Festival, known worldwide, to spaces such as the Dr. Luis Sigall competition”.
Likewise, she highlighted the role of Chile in the international cultural context and the importance of supporting spaces for the flourishing of talent. “We are proud to be able to support this musical competition that is also able to welcome great national and international talents. To be able to showcase young people around music and the practice of an orchestra, and in our country, is something to be proud of”.
For her part, mayor Macarena Ripamonti underscored the acknowledgement of the city and the legacy of the Dr. Luis Sigall Musical Execution International Competition. “This contest, that began in 1974, has shown Viña del Mar to the world and has allowed young artists from all continents to grow, train and shine before an audience that deeply values art. Along this journey, Viña del Mar has become a musical city”, she noted.
The Regional Ministry of Culture Secretary, Javier Esnaola, emphasized the importance of collaboration between different entities to strengthen regional culture. “The grand finale highlights classical music as a way to continue to promote and strengthen art and culture. We believe that inter-institutional work is fundamental. We know the interest and the importance that the PUCV assigns to culture, art and heritage, and that is why so relevant that universities with public vocation continue to collaborate and promoting culture in our region”, he commented.
Meanwhile, Mariel Mancilla, director of Cultural-Artistic Relations at the PUCV, underscored the quality of performances and the formative relevance of art. “Today we concluded an intense and luminous week, in which talent, discipline and interpretative sensibility were the drive of a select group of artists. They have reminded us, once again, why this competition is one of the most prestigious in its type, gathering young musicians from the different corners of the world”.
Public in attendance
The public valued the artistic quality of the event, highlighting the emotion, talent and the opportunity to bring classical music closer to the community.
At this respect, the couple formed by Jorge Duarte and Carmen Peña, faithful attendants for many years, shared their pride for being a part of the competition’s history. “I estimate that we started attending the year 1980. A long time has passed, and for me is an unmissable event. The musicians are of the highest quality, each year I am touched by this beautiful staging”, she commented.
For her part, Dainara Merlino stated that the experience was deeply meaningful. “I believe it is very special to be able to educate people on what melody, music and the intensity of playing the violoncello means. The quality of the performers is great, it reaches the hearts of people and I think it is wonderful”, she expressed.
Likewise, Liliana Arellano agreed to be deeply touched since her life has been linked to music from a very young age since her grandfather was a violinist. “I thought it was wonderful, extraordinary. I always say that music is my second air.
By Camila Rojas
Strategic Communications Department
