Back

Io Yamada wins Viña del Mar

Competitions

The 2024 Edition of the International Music Competition Dr. Luis Sigall was held in the discipline of guitar

October 11 saw the final of the XLVIII International Competition of Musical Execution “Dr. Luis Sigall”, held in the discipline of Classical Guitar. It was organized by the Cultural Corporation of Viña del Mar, the Municipality of Cuidados and the Municipal Theater. The event was supported by Gran Logia de Chile, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, and received additional financing by the Fund for the Promotion of National Music of the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage.

On this occasion, the finalists were José Daniel Salceda from Mexico, Luka Lovreković from Croatia and Io Yamada from Japan, who performed a complete symphonic work accompanied in this instance by the PUCV Chamber Orchestra conducted by the artistic director of the competition, maestro Álvaro Gómez.

“The level of the participants is very high” explains the Artistic Director. “I really admire the work of the jurors, because selecting only three people from such a talented group is an extremely difficult task, almost impossible to satisfy everyone. There were no conflicts, it was a very respectful selection among the jurors. I did not vote, so let me say that, if I had to choose, I probably would have selected two of the three finalists. However, they were all so good that it was very difficult to reach a conclusion.

Io Yamada, 1st prize winner

For his part, he also highlighted the quality of the PUCV Chamber Orchestra: “My job now is exclusively to accompany the three finalists with the orchestra. I came without knowing exactly what to expect, since the orchestra has been changing over the years. This time I worked with the Chamber Orchestra of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by how well prepared it was in the first rehearsal. I want to congratulate Jesús Rodríguez, who prepared the orchestra and made my work much easier. The soloists are also very happy, which is not always easy to achieve. I am really happy to conduct this orchestra, they are very professional and collaborative, with a great desire to do things well”.

Finalists and Jury member

Awards Ceremony

The award ceremony of the XLVIII International Music Performance Competition “Dr. Luis Sigall”, in the Classical Guitar category, concluded with an outstanding recognition to the best musicians of this edition:

Third place went to José Daniel Salceda Velasco from Mexico, who was awarded the Viña del Mar Cultural Corporation Prize.

Second place went to Luka Lovreković from Croatia, who also received the Best Performer of Compulsory Chilean Work Award, with his outstanding performance of “Puihua” by Chilean composer Félix Cárdenas, part of the semifinal stage.

The first place, and the “Izidor Handler” prize, was awarded to Io Yamada from Japan, who was also the audience's favorite, taking also the Audience Award and the invitation to play at the Frutillar Musical Weeks.

“I am very happy, it is a unique experience and I enjoyed it very much,” said the winner before referring to his stay in the Garden City. “Although I spent most of the time in the hotel for the finals, on Tuesday I had the opportunity to visit Valparaiso, and I found it a fantastic city, very beautiful. Also, it's my first time in South America, which makes everything even more exciting. I am very excited about the invitation to play at the Frutillar Musical Weeks. I am very much looking forward to getting to know the south of Chile.

He also noted that he joined the competition because of the historical legacy of his teachers: “It is very special for me to be here, as my teacher in Germany, Thomas Müller-Pering, won the ‘Dr. Luis Sigall’ competition 41 years ago, and my Japanese teacher, Gentaro Takada, was also on this stage. Both of them encouraged me to come and try my luck.”

The next competition “Dr. Luis Sigall” is to be held in 2025 in the discipline of Cello.

Prize winners: José Daniel Salceda Velasco (3rd prize), Luka Lovreković (2nd Prize), Io Yamada (1st prize)

Prizes: 
1st prize: Io Yamada, Weimar
2nd prize: Luka Lovreković (29), Graz
3rd prize: José Daniel Salceda Velasco, Morelia

Jury:
Esteban Espinoza, Ximena Matamoros, Romilio Orellana
Alvaro Gómez (Artistic Director)

Artists:
PUCV Chamber Orchestra, Álvaro Gómez (Conductor)

 

©️ WFIMC / FR 2024