This season, the international festival «Música del Mar» decided to switch up its scenery: while upholding its finest traditions, the contest moved all competition viewings and gala evenings to the vibrant town of Lloret de Mar, transitioning from its usual setting in Tossa de Mar. The new venue matched every bit of the contest’s high organizational standards and scenic charm—offering participants and spectators an unforgettable experience against the picturesque backdrop of the Costa Brava coastline!
«Música del Mar» traditionally brings together singers and musicians from all corners of the globe. The festival offers artists a rare opportunity to showcase their talent to a large audience and an esteemed jury of international show business and classical music stars, while serving as a powerful source of inspiration for new creative ambitions.
Watch how it unfolded: Visit our official YouTube channel, Fiestalonia Milenio, to catch the highlights of the festival in our official recap video!
Geographic Reach and Artistic Diversity
The geography of «Música del Mar 2026» was truly impressive. This year, the stage welcomed performers from Spain, Finland, Turkiye, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Cyprus, Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, and Latvia.
Audiences enjoyed a rich tapestry of genres: academic and pop choral singing, solo vocal performances, virtuoso piano and guitar pieces, mesmerizing performances on national musical instruments, and expressive theatrical mini-productions presented by participants of the «Mediterranean Legends» program.
Specialized International Jury Panels
Each category of contestants was evaluated by a specialized board of international experts:
Vocal Category Jury:
- Xavier García Cardona — Conductor, pianist, and composer graduated in orchestra conducting from the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona. He is the Artistic Director of the chamber music series «Estones de Clàssica» at the Ateneu de Sant Just Desvern and a member and collaborator of the Spanish Association of Choir Directors.
- Joan Carles Capdevila Torné — Arranger, composer, studio singer, member of «a cappella» groups, and instrumentalist in various musical formations. He also works in advertising, teaches in the field of Musical Theater, and participates in choral singing, opera, orchestration, and symphonic arrangements.
- María Luz Martínez Farias — A talented soprano and Doctor of Art History. She has performed on prestigious stages worldwide, collaborated with renowned conductors and pianists, and teaches at the University of Barcelona, sharing her experience with new generations.
Instrumental Music Category Jury:
- Joan Carles Capdevila Torné — Arranger, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and studio singer.
- Anna Balvak — Distinguished pianist, chamber musician, and educator. She holds top qualifications in concert performance, chamber music, accompaniment, and pedagogy. She has performed across Europe, including France, Italy, Austria, and Luxembourg, and is an active concert artist in Catalonia.
- Josep Soto — Guitarist, composer, and coach, imparting his expertise to aspiring musicians globally.
Theatrical Arts Category Jury (Mediterranean Legends):
- Amaranta Gibert — Prominent fine arts figure, passionate theater expert, and Director and Coordinator of the Lloret de Mar Theater. Holding a degree in Art History from the University of Girona, she is dedicated to blending major commercial productions with emerging talent and unique indie performances.
- Paco Moreno — Professional actor, director, and producer with a stellar career on stage and screen. As the founder of La Caravana de les Arts, he brings classic literature to life for younger audiences. Known for major global campaigns, including his recent work alongside supermodels and his role in Coca-Cola’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign!
- Nelly Badamshina — Theatre director, acting coach, actress, and cultural project organizer working in Catalonia and Spain. For more than 10 years, she has been actively involved in the performing arts, combining directing, stage performance, and theatre education, with training in dramaturgy, comedy theatre, physical theatre, and acting.
Competition Day & Acoustic Evening at Sant Romà Church
On June 29, a full day of competitive viewings took place at the Municipal Theater of Lloret de Mar. Following tradition, the organizing committee conducted a stage rehearsal and warm-up session beforehand, allowing every contestant to test the main stage and fine-tune their sound. The viewings spanned over 8 hours of non-stop talent!
A standout highlight of the competition was the performance by the vibrant choir from Zimbabwe — The Heritage School Senior Choir (conducted by Tatenda Janero).
That same evening, the choirs and pianists of «Música del Mar» took part in a special acoustic concert held within the walls of Sant Romà Church—a unique architectural landmark of Lloret de Mar, celebrated for its Gothic and Modernist aesthetics and phenomenal acoustics. The concert drew a full house, receiving warm applause from locals and visitors who gathered specifically to experience world-class vocal and instrumental performance.
Grand Gala Concert and the Grand Prix Winner
On June 30, the festival celebration moved to the town’s main square — Plaça de Pere Torrent. The Grand Gala Concert featured only the most dynamic and memorable performances, handpicked by the jury.
The climax of the evening was the announcement of the festival’s ultimate winner:
THE GRAND PRIX WINNER of «Música del Mar 2026» was the ensemble Kokil group (KAZAKHSTAN)! Director: Raimbergenov Abdulhamit, Teachers: Yesbossynova Roza, Iskaliyeva Gulshara.
The group masterfully performed «Kazakh Turkic medley kyu» on traditional national instruments—the dombra. Their emotional, spectacular, and technically flawless performance stood out as the most captivating moment of the evening, earning the highest scores from the jury!
See You Next Year!
The Fiestalonia organizing committee extends its warmest congratulations to all winners and participants for their remarkable achievements! You have once again proven that music is a universal language that bridges nations and continents.
All official competition score sheets and results are available in the attached documents.
The «Música del Mar» stage is already preparing to welcome new talents. See you on the shores of Costa Brava in 2027!