Guanajuato, Gto., November 14, 2018.- As part of the actions to develop and boost the talent of young musicians took place the regional piano contest 2018 "Manuel de Elías" organized by the Department of Music and Performing Arts of the Division of Architecture, Art and Design of the University of Guanajuato.

The award of the concert took place at the Teatro Principal, where the winners offered a recital for the audience. The contest had two categories: A and B. The first of contestants up to 17 years and the second to 26. The event was attended by musicians from the states of Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, Queretaro, San Luis Potosí, Michoacán and Jalisco.

The first place of category A was for Alexander Rivera of Jalisco, earning a prize of 7000 pesos; the second place was won by Natalia Soto of Aguascalientes, she was recognized with 5000 pesos; and the third Abraham Gonzalez of Guanajuato, who obtained 3000 pesos. In addition, there was a special award for the best Mexican piece performance "Héctor Quintanar" which was also for the interpreter Natalia Soto. The winners also received a recognition of participation. Category B was declared deserted.

On behalf of the President of the University of Guanajuato, Dr. Luis Felipe Guerrero Agripino, the Academic Secretary of the institution, Dr. Sergio Antonio Silva Muñoz congratulated each one of the participants for their talent and dedication from an early age and he referred to the music "as an expression of the soul that this time is manifested through the piano." He recognized the efforts of the contestants who came from various states and the organizers of the contest, professors and Director of the Department of Music and Performing Arts.

The Director of the division of Architecture, Art and Design, Dr. Francisco J. González Compean indicated that one of the most important objectives for the University of Guanajuato is the preservation, promotion and dissemination of culture and that competitions of this nature propitiate to fulfill this mission.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Department of Music and Performing arts, M. Luis Flores Villagómez said the contest was a great reason for satisfaction as it represented an opportunity for young piano students to continue their musical trajectory. He also thanked the commitment and management of Dr. Adriana Marina Martínez Maldonado, Coordinator and organizer of the contest.

The jury was composed of pianists of recognized national and international trajectory, Dr. Mireya Martí and M. Ana Cervantes. It should be noted that M. Manuel Jorge de Elías also formed part of the jury, who was given a tribute in this contest.

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