In the world of flamenco, it is rare to see someone dedicating over 40 years to the art form, but there are a few exceptional individuals who have achieved this feat. One such luminary is Carmen Linares, a remarkable woman whose very presence exudes sweetness, and whose voice carries the pure essence of heartfelt lament. This month, Linares received a very special and unique recognition: the ‘Placa de Oro’ from the International Festival of Cante de las Minas. This prestigious award acknowledges her extensive and illustrious career in the field of flamenco.
Carmen Linares is truly an eminence within the realm of cante jondo, and her talent has been recognized through prestigious accolades. In 2022, she was honored with the Princess of Asturias award, a distinction previously bestowed only upon Paco de Lucía within the genre. Moreover, her excellence in music will be celebrated once again in November at the Latin Grammys, where she will receive the Award for Musical Excellence.
“I have been fighting for flamenco for a long time, trying to take it to the highest category, and for you to have recognized it in this way is a great honor for me”, the singer said gratefully, looking to the future so that this distinction can be used “for other artists that may arrive“. She dedicated a few words to the Festival, hoping that it “continues to open the way for artists so that the Cante de las Minas never leaves and is always with us.”
“Creating a distinction that recognizes the work, tenacity, and value of those artists who have been capable of making such a long career seemed very necessary to us, and no one better than Carmen Linares to inaugurate this list of winners,” indicated the president of the Cante de las Minas Foundation, Joaquín Zapata.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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