Both the Latin GRAMMYs and Latin GRAMMY In The Schools are indispensable parts of the Recording Academy extended universe — and when they braid together, magic transpires
The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Laura Pausini — Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winner and 2023 Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year — came together to celebrate music education with future generations of Latin music creators at the Conservatorio Profesional de Música Francisco Guerrero in Sevilla, Spain.
Read More: Laura Pausini Named 2023 Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year
Plus. for the first time, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Regional Government of Andalucía — with co-financing from European Funds — joins as the official sponsor.
The event was attended by the president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Arturo Bernal, and the Minister of Educational Development and Professional Development, Patricia del Pozo Fernández, among other authorities.
As a global champion of music education that empowers communities all over the world through Latin music and culture, the Foundation is proud to bring the Latin GRAMMY in the Schools experience to students in Sevilla.
The program featured a Q&A session with students moderated by Spanish RTVE reporter Marc Calderó, and featuring Pausini, along with a performance from the students who paid tribute to popular music from the Italian artist. As part of the educational process, the Foundation provided a donation of musical instruments valued at $20,000 (€18,905) to the conservatory’s music program.
“I am honored to support the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation in its mission to provide educational opportunities that advance Latin music and its heritage,” said Pausini. “Being able to talk about my experiences in this industry with the next generation of creators is fulfilling and I’m grateful to share my music and all my career has taught me, to pave the way forward.”
The Conservatorio Profesional de Música Francisco Guerrero was established more than 35 years ago to elevate the cultural and musical level of Sevilla through quality musical education that enables students to reach their maximum artistic potential. To date, the school has more than 120 teachers and 1,100 students with 17 different instrumental specialties.
“We at the conservatory are very grateful because this donation will help us expand the musical training of our talented youth, of whom we are so proud and who have been represented in this unforgettable encounter today,” said Carmen González González, director of the conservatory. “Thank you to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and the Junta de Andalucía for putting the spotlight on this great group of musicians, and for giving us a wonderful experience with the renowned Laura Pausini, which we will never forget.”
“We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Junta de Andalucía for their invaluable partnership,” added Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.
“And we also thank Laura Pausini for her unwavering support and generosity,” continued Egusquiza. “Together, we continue to advance our mission of expanding access and opportunities for the next generation of Latin music creators worldwide.”
“Sevilla and Andalucía have become the world capital of Latin music, with all of its nuances, approaches and diversity of styles, among which flamenco, the hallmark of our land, will be very present,” said Moreno Bonilla.
Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry and supports educational music departments that have financial limitations. The Foundation invites artists and professional musicians to visit middle and high schools, or music education institutions to share their personal stories and experiences with students that highlight the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.
The Foundation has donated more than $790,000 in musical instruments to schools throughout the United States and Ibero-America in support of their music education programs. Since 2014, Latin GRAMMY In The Schools has benefited schools in U.S. cities such as Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and New York; as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Previous artists who have participated in the program include: Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Marilina Bertoldi, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nacho, Chiquis, Luis Coronel, Silvestre Dangond, Joss Favela, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, El Fantasma, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Carlos Jean, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mau y Ricky, Claudia Montero, Ednita Nazario, Christian Nodal, Ángel “Cucco” Peña, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Sebastián Yatra.
The Recording Academy continues to follow all developments with its sister academy — keep checking both GRAMMY.com and LatinGRAMMY.com for updates!
