From June 25 to 28, 2025, the sunny Costa Brava coast hosted the international festival-competition “Musica del Mar”. Once again, this event gathered musicians, vocalists, and choirs from around the world to delight audiences and prove that music knows no boundaries.
You can watch the live broadcast of the Gala concert on our official YouTube channel.
Competition Day took place on June 26 at the Lloret de Mar Theatre. The stage welcomed:
- St Mary’s Singers from South Africa,
- vocal ensemble Ansambl Pučpuljike from Croatia,
- talented young pianists from Colombia,
- and vocalists from Spain, Ukraine and Bulgaria.
This year’s festival was remarkable not so much for the number of participants but for the outstanding quality of sound that filled the Costa Brava air with harmony and passion.
Who can participate?
Musica del Mar welcomes:
- soloists and vocal ensembles,
- choirs and instrumental groups,
- pianists and string ensembles,
- and performers of original genres.
Participants showcase their skills in various categories: academic and pop singing, folklore, instrumental performance, and more. The festival is open to both professionals and amateurs, inviting performers of all ages to take the stage.
The Jury
The contestants were evaluated by distinguished experts in music and vocal arts:
Joan Carles Capdevila Torné – arranger, composer, a cappella group member, studio singer, and teacher in the field of musical theater. He is also a collaborator on major Spanish television productions, including Operación Triunfo.
María Luz Martínez Farias – a talented soprano and Doctor of Art History who has performed on prestigious stages worldwide and currently teaches at the University of Barcelona.
Anna Balvak – pianist, chamber musician, and educator with concert experience across Europe, including France, Italy, Austria, and Luxembourg.
Xavier García Cardona – conductor, pianist, and composer, artistic director of the chamber music series Estones de Clàssica in Barcelona, and an active member of the Spanish Association of Choir Directors.
Gala Concert and Award Ceremony
Later the same day, participants gathered for the gala concert and awards ceremony in the magnificent 12th-century Vila Vella fortress in Tossa de Mar. Tourists, local residents, passersby, and supporters of the contestants all became spectators of this unforgettable evening. The audience enjoyed enchanting melodies on musical instruments, breathtaking vocal performances, and renditions of world-famous hits and a cappella pieces.
Grand Prix Winner – Musica del Mar 2025
The coveted Grand Prix and crystal trophy were awarded to St Mary’s Singers (South Africa) under the direction of Lhente-Mari Pitout, with accompanist Morne Van Der Westhuyzen, for their outstanding performance in the “Pop Singing” category. Their heartfelt and powerful presentation became the highlight of the festival.
| St Mary’s Singers / SOUTH AFRICA (pop singing) | Vocal | GRAND PRIX |
| St Mary’s Singers / SOUTH AFRICA (academic singing) Ansambl Pučpuljike / CROATIA (folk singing) Vetlynskyi Vladyslav – New Vocal Studio / UKRAINE (pop singing) Bodelan Sabina – New Vocal Studio / UKRAINE (pop singing) | Vocal | Golden diploma from 90 to 99 points |
| Ansambl Pučpuljike / CROATIA (pop singing) DUO: Ivanka & Kira / SPAIN (pop singing) Bodelan Sabina – New Vocal Studio / UKRAINE (pop singing) Sofia Rodriguez Soshnikova / SPAIN (jazz singing) Litvinenko Viktoria / BULGARIA (classical crossover singing) Shynder Stefaniia – New Vocal Studio / UKRAINE (pop singing) Yuliia Nedzelska / SPAIN (pop singing) | Vocal | Silver diploma from 80 to 89 points |
| Vetlynskyi Vladyslav – New Vocal Studio / UKRAINE (pop singing) | Vocal | Bronce diploma from 70 to 79 points |
| Guadalupe Salazar Ruiz / COLOMBIA (piano) Simón Bernate Franco / COLOMBIA (piano) Alejandro Gutiérrez Sánchez / COLOMBIA (piano) Daniel Esteban Velandia / COLOMBIA (piano) DUO: Sofía Berrio and Simón Bernate / COLOMBIA (piano) DUO: David Felipe Velandia and Daniel Esteban Velandia / COLOMBIA (piano) | Instrumental groups and soloists | Golden diploma from 90 to 99 points |
| Sofía Berrio Quiceno / COLOMBIA (piano) Bhimal Fox Turner Castañeda / COLOMBIA (piano) David Felipe Velandia / COLOMBIA (piano) Salomé Salazar Ruiz / COLOMBIA (piano) | Instrumental groups and soloists | Silver diploma from 80 to 89 points |
| Mariana Escamilla Ladino / COLOMBIA (piano) | Instrumental groups and soloists | Bronce diploma from 70 to 79 points |
| Sara Carmona Vásquez / COLOMBIA (piano) Emma Neira García / COLOMBIA (piano) Ana Sofía Carmona Vásquez / COLOMBIA (piano) Gabriel Avendaño Coral / COLOMBIA (piano) | Instrumental groups and soloists | Diploma of participant |
Musica del Mar once again proved that music unites nations and cultures, creating an atmosphere of creativity, inspiration, and friendship.
Do you want to participate in the International Art Festival & Contest “Musica del Mar” 2026? Then follow the link and submit your application to participate!