Francisco Mário International Prize for Popular Guitar – Americas Edition 2023
On March 14, 2023, date that marks the 35th anniversary of death of the Brazilian musician Francisco Mário, the final presentation and award ceremony for the finalists of the Francisco Mário International Prize for Popular Guitar – Americas Edition was held. At the Espacio Tucumán in Buenos Aires, the 10 finalist musicians performed the chosen songs to the jury (Marcos Souza and Juan Falú) and the public.
The event was attended by the Brazilian ambassador to Argentina, Reinaldo Salgado, and the cultural attaché, Hayle Gadelha. The ceremony was broadcast via Instagram Live by the Chico Mário Cultural Institute (ICCM) and was photographed by photographer Thami Vieceli, which we share below.
In the jury’s final decision, the following musicians made up the top places:
1st PLACE – André Pinto Siqueira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) – Cuba
2nd PLACE (a tie) – Lucas Cuba Bittencourt Gralato (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) – Domingo
2nd PLACE (a tie) – Pedro Silveira Franco (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) – Terceira Guerra
About the Prize
Francisco Mário was one of the pioneers of independent recording in Brazil, alongside Antonio Adolfo, and possibly the first to use crowdfunding in the country, in 1980, to produce his second album “Revolta dos Palhaços”. A respected guitarist from Minas Gerais, he left almost 90 compositions, 8 records and 3 books in his short life. Brother of cartoonist Henfil and sociologist Betinho, Chico Mário, as he was affectionately called, died on March 14, 1988, at the age of 39. To publicize his important guitar work, foster Brazilian culture, encourage independent creation, and value the most popular instrument in Brazil, the acoustic guitar, the Francisco Mário Popular Guitar Prize will award up to 10 musicians with cash prizes and trophies designed by artist Mauricio Manzo, through the Chico Mário Cultural Institute in partnership with the Guimarães Rosa Institute and the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Co-realization
Dates and Stages
1. Registration
From January 20 to February 20, you can register here on the site and submit your interpretation to the Award’s pre-selection jury.
2. Pre-Selection
The jury will evaluate the published and submitted works and will confirm the finalists via email and in a post here on the website
3. Official Ceremony
Those who qualify for the final stage will make a presentation at the Official Ceremony in Buenos Aires on March 14, 2023.
4. Award
Cash awards will be given to the 10 people selected, and trophies for 1st and 2nd place in the competition.
