The Lanzarote tenor Pancho Corujo has obtained the first prize for singing at the Manhattan International Music Competition in New York. This is an award that recognizes the talent of young artists and is judged by a jury made up of prestigious figures in the world of music.
Corujo himself, "very happy" with the news, explained on Radio Lanzarote-Onda Cero that artists from all over the world are participating in this competition. In addition to singing, disciplines such as piano or string instruments are awarded. Among the members of the jury, there are renowned figures "very important in the world of music", the tenor highlighted. Among them are Philippe Jaurossky, Teresa Berganza, Thomas Quasthoff or Peter Edelman. In addition, the event is chaired by the renowned Croatian pianist Ivo Pogorelich. Along with Corujo, the Spanish soprano Maite Alberola has also been awarded, whom the Lanzarote tenor has congratulated through his Facebook page.
Corujo, who has performed in famous arenas such as the Verona opera house, explained that, among the requirements to participate in the contest, it was necessary to be under 35 years of age and have "a proven quality curriculum", as well as send several recent videos so that the jury could assess it. Then began a phase of "screenings", which the Lanzarote singer has been passing, until becoming the winner.
For Corujo, the "most interesting" thing about the award is the "publicity that is done". "The hype they give it is very powerful; Americans know how to do that very well," he joked on Radio Lanzarote. The artist explained that for the moment all the communication he has had with the organizers has been by email so he does not know exactly "what the prize consists of", although it also has an economic endowment. In any case, he has expressed his satisfaction at having been awarded and has admitted that he was not counting on it. After submitting, "I practically forgot about it, I thought, this is something worldwide."