Winners

da Silva João

Audience award

João’s musical journey is an awe-inspiring testament to the power of passion and dedication in transcending artistic boundaries. From his roots in Ponte de Lima, Portugal, João’s upbringing in a family of amateur musicians ignited a lifelong love affair with music. Beginning his formal studies at EPMVC in Viana do Castelo, later at the Luis Vilas Boas Jazz School in Lisbon and the ESMUC in Barcelona, João’s pursuit of musical knowledge has been relentless. His compositions, deeply rooted in classical and jazz traditions, effortlessly blend various musical cultures, reflecting his boundless curiosity and unwavering commitment to exploration. In recent years, João has risen to prominence not only as a virtuoso jazz violinist and composer but also as a highly sought-after music producer and string arranger. His collaborations with renowned artists like Érico Moreira and Marina Tuset have garnered critical acclaim, with his arrangements contributing to albums recognized at the Latin Grammys. Alongside his musical achievements, João’s talent has been acknowledged with prestigious awards, including the XIII Andrea Parodi Prize in 2021 and multiple accolades from the Municipal Assembly of Ponte de Lima. With an invitation to an artistic residency in Macedonia and the creation of his album “The Love Protocol,” João da Silva’s musical journey continues to evolve, demonstrating his unwavering dedication, passion, and ability to unite cultures and genres.