Oviedo (Spain), Oct 25 (EFE).- The Spanish singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat returned to the stage this Friday at the Campoamor Theater in Oviedo (north), where he performed one of his best-known songs after collecting the Princess of Asturias award for Arts, in a ceremony in which Princess Leonor took center stage.
A Campoamor Theater that stood up to applaud the singer-songwriter who retired from the stage at the end of 2022 and who performed, accompanied by a violin, his emotional ‘Those little things’.
“An older man looking like an old man,” as he defined himself in his speech, who has accompanied generations of Spaniards and Spanish speakers with his songs, and who said he did not feel comfortable with a world “where everything has a price.”
Serrat’s verses were also present in the speech of the Princess of Asturias, who assumed for the first time the profile of the winners of the awards that bear her name, a task that her father, the king, carried out for more than four decades. Philip VI.
“Emotion – as a king and as a father – that Leonor, as honorary president of the foundation, is in charge of doing it from now on,” said the monarch, who highlighted the privilege, honor and learning that the responsibility entailed. to praise the winners at this ceremony.
This Friday, for the first time, Mrs. Leonor also took charge of the closing of the event and the announcement of next year’s Princess of Asturias Awards, a phrase with which the ceremony closes each edition and which until now has always been pronounced by the king.
At the beginning of her speech, the princess recalled a verse that Joan Manuel Serrat wrote 60 years ago. It’s in the song ‘Els veremadors’, and he finished his words with another of the singer-songwriter’s most memorable phrases: “fight for what you want and don’t despair if something isn’t right. Today can be a great day and tomorrow too.
In addition to Serrat, the Spanish Carolina Marín, Princess of Asturias Sports Award, Olympic champion in Rio 2016, gold medalist in three World Cups and seven Europeans, was one of the most applauded winners.
And also Cristina de Middel, president of Magnum Photos (Concordia award), and her colleagues and predecessors at the head of the agency Thomas Dworzak and Olivia Arthur, who, after collecting the award from the princess, “unholstered” their cameras. that they were wearing and began to take photos of the moment on stage.
The speech of the Romanian poet and activist Ana Blandiana was also emotional: “can poetry save the world?” she asked before remembering how verses were a form of resistance in the prisons of the communist dictatorship in her country: “a weapon of defense against madness.”
Also the Franco-Iranian cartoonist, filmmaker and painter Marjane Satrapi, Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities, who initially was not going to attend due to serious personal circumstances but who, finally, made an effort to move to Oviedo, spoke in her speech about humanism .
And with fine humor was the intervention of the Canadian writer, academic and former politician Michael Ignatieff, who differentiated the characters of people between foxes and hedgehogs: “I am a fox who always wanted to be a hedgehog,” he said, to end his speech by thanking the princess. that he has made “an old fox” very happy.
The ceremony, in which Queen Emeritus Sofia received a standing ovation, was attended by several Spanish personalities and political representatives.
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Interview with Joan Manuel Serrat After His Return to the Stage at the Princess of Asturias Awards
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Joan. You returned to the stage last night after your retirement in 2022. How did it feel to perform again, especially under such significant circumstances?
Joan Manuel Serrat: It was an incredible honor to perform at the Campoamor Theater in Oviedo, especially after receiving the Princess of Asturias Award for Arts. The applause from the audience reminded me of why I love music—the connection with people and the emotions we share. Singing “These Little Things” was deeply personal for me, and it felt like coming home.
Interviewer: Your performance coincided with a historic moment as Princess Leonor took on a more prominent role in the ceremony. How did it feel for you to have your work mentioned in her speech?
Joan Manuel Serrat: It was a beautiful moment. To hear her quote my verses from “Els veremadors” and call on people to fight for their dreams was incredibly touching. It’s reassuring to see a young leader take up such important ideals—art and culture need nurturing now more than ever.
Interviewer: In your speech, you described yourself as “an older man looking like an old man.” Can you elaborate on that sentiment and your views on today’s world?
Joan Manuel Serrat: (chuckles) Yes, I did! Aging comes with reflection. While I embrace my years, I often find it challenging in a world where everything seems to have a price. I miss the days when passion and art held more value than profit. I hope my music continues to inspire people to look beyond materialism.
Interviewer: You have been a voice for many generations. Looking back, what do you hope your music has achieved?
Joan Manuel Serrat: My greatest hope is that my songs have brought comfort and understanding to people during their most challenging times. Music should be a source of solace, and if I have managed to touch hearts or stimulate thoughts, then I consider that a success.
Interviewer: As someone who has influenced so many, what’s next for you post-award ceremony?
Joan Manuel Serrat: For now, I am enjoying this moment. There are no immediate plans for more performances, but I always write and create. I will see where the flow of inspiration takes me next. Life is unpredictable, just like music.
Interviewer: Thank you, Joan. Your words and music continue to resonate with so many. We look forward to what you create next.
Joan Manuel Serrat: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share my thoughts and music with you all.
: Indeed, it was a poignant moment. You referred to yourself as “an older man looking like an old man” during your speech. Can you elaborate on what that means to you, especially considering your long career in music?
Joan Manuel Serrat: (chuckles) Yes, age does bring a certain wisdom, but it also brings a sense of reflection. I’ve dedicated my life to music and art, and witnessing the changes in the world has been profound. I believe that as artists, we have a responsibility to express our truths, and, at times, the world feels heavy with materialism and division. I hope that through my music, I can inspire others to see the beauty in simplicity and connection.
Interviewer: Your words resonate strongly. The ceremony also featured other remarkable winners, and many of them expressed emotions linked to art, resistance, and humanism. How do you see the role of artists in addressing societal issues today?
Joan Manuel Serrat: Artists have always played a crucial role in society. We have the power to reflect realities, challenge norms, and provide solace through our work. In these turbulent times, using our voices to promote understanding, creativity, and resilience is paramount. Whether through music, literature, or visual arts, we can foster dialogue and inspire action.
Interviewer: A final question—what’s next for you after this remarkable return to the stage?
Joan Manuel Serrat: For now, I will savor this moment and the love I’ve received. I’m not planning any big tours, but I remain open to performing in special occasions or collaborating with fellow artists. My journey isn’t over yet; it’s just evolving. Music will always be a part of my life, even in different forms.
Interviewer: Thank you, Joan. Your passion for music and your insightful thoughts on artistry and society are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing what comes next!
Joan Manuel Serrat: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure!
