Flamenco artists win prestigious Princess of Asturias arts Awards

Oviedo, Spain, May 5 (EFE).- Spanish flamenco artists Carmen Linares and María Pagés were awarded Spain’s 2022 Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo, the award foundation announced on Thursday.

Out of 43 nominees from 19 different countries, the prize was awarded to flamenco singer, Carmen Linares, and flamenco dancer and choreographer, Maria Pagés, for respecting tradition while providing flamenco with “new tools.”

“Both in their respective disciplines have broadened the horizons of flamenco singing and dance (cante and baile), always with a sense of respect for tradition while daring to expand these forms of expression, thereby fostering the universal nature of an extraordinary cultural, popular and sensorial heritage,” the jury said.

Carmen Linares began her solo career in 1980 and is the only singer to have won a National Music Award in Spain.

María Pagés won the National Dance Award in 2002 and has been touring with her dance company for 30 years. EFE

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