Miguel Ortega, winner of the Lámpara Minera of the Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas 2010

Special 50 Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas. Reviews, contest, photos, videos…

At ten minutes to three in the morning, it was announced that the new holder of the Lámpara Minera was Seville singer Miguel Ortega, winner of the top prize at the 50th Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas de La Unión.  The singer from Los Palacios won the treasured prize in a vibrant intense final round in which 12 artists competed; 6 singers, 2 dancers, 2 guitarists and 2 instrumentalists.

Miguel Ortega received the trophy Lámpara Minera, and 15,000 euros.  He also took the prizes for cartageneras and for tonás, siguiriyas, livianas and serranas, each one bringing 4,500 euros.  In cante, the second prize and 4,500 euros went to the very young singer from Granada, Ana Mochón, who at only 15 carried off the prizes for taranta, malagueñas and tangos, each one valued at 4,500 euros.

The prize for young newcomers, and 2,000 euros, went to Córdoba singer Inma de la Vega, 23.  Top award for soleá, bulería por soleá, caña and polo (4,500 euros) was for José Manuel Segovia “José Córtes Canela”.

Cádiz dancer Jesús Fernández won the Desplante prize for dance, and 10,000 euros, while second prize went to Francisco Hidalgo for 6,000 euros.

From Morón de la Frontera (Sevilla) guitarist Francisco Moncayo “Gastor de Paco” won the top guitar prize, Bordón Minero, for 6,000 euros.  At only 17, Moncayo dedicated the prize to his grandfather and maestro, the great guitarist Paco del Gastor.  From Cartagena, Cayetano Moreno won the second prize for guitar and 4,000 euros.

The instrumentalist prize called the Filón, and 7,000 euros, went to Abdón Alcaraz.  Last year the pianist from Murcia went home empty-handed.  Second prize and 3,500 euros went to flautist Oscar Gómez Calatayud.  

After the winners were announced, the new holder of the Lámpara Minera, Miguel Ortega dedicated the honor to a good friend of his who passed away early that morning.  Ortega declared it was a dream come true to win the prestigious prize for which he had worked so many years.  “I know this is going to open many doors for me in the world of flamenco” said the singer.

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