On Monday, November 4, Her Majesty Queen Sofía, Patroness of Honor of the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute, presented the 2024 Sophia Award for Excellence to Gustavo Dudamel. This award recognizes Maestro Dudamel’s outstanding contributions to global appreciation of the Spanish-speaking world through art and humanitarian efforts.
In support for the victims of the recent catastrophic floods in Valencia, Spain the QSSI organized a solemn tribute during the event, featuring a moment of silence. The Queen Sofía Spanish Institute also announced a donation of $50,000 to the Fundación Reina Sofía, which will be dedicated to reconstruction efforts in Spain, and mobilized efforts to raise further funds. Generous contributions from attendees underscored the deep compassion and solidarity between nations, providing critical aid for the ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts in the affected areas in Spain.
Gustavo Dudamel, who currently serves as the Music and Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and will become the Music and Artistic Director of the New York Philharmonic in 2026, accepted the Award dedicating the prize to Spain “I dedicate this award to the people of Spain, for their strength and fortitude in this difficult time. Spanish culture has a profound soul, a deep sense of wisdom, of empathy, of creativity, and of resilience. I share my deepest gratitude, admiration and respect for Her Majesty for her lifelong commitment to these values through the arts and culture throughout our world. It can be ascribed to the powerful identity of Spain why its art, just like its people, will always endure in the face of difficulty.”
Gustavo Dudamel has demonstrated a profound commitment to expanding access to classical music. His tireless efforts to bring music to new audiences worldwide, particularly in underserved communities, and his philanthropic work with YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), and via the Dudamel Foundation, reflect the humanitarian values celebrated by the Sophia Award for Excellence.
The ceremony celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute (QSSI). Since its founding in 1954, the QSSI has been dedicated to highlighting the contributions of the Spanish-speaking world to the history and culture of the United States. This milestone anniversary celebrated the Institute’s enduring mission of fostering cultural exchange and friendship between countries. In recent years, the Institute has demonstrated its ability to adapt to modern times by creating online educational content and building a global community hosting events in different cities. Begonia Santos, Executive Director of the QSSI and COO: “The QSSI intends to continue bringing its mission to other American cities with large Hispanic populations.” Pilar Lladó, Chair of the Board also highlighted the importance of the ties between both countries “For Spain, in addition to being a European country, the American dimension is undoubtedly an essential element of our identity as a nation.”
The ceremony was presided by Her Majesty Queen Sofía, Patroness of Honor of the Institute since 2003, and attendees included supporters of the QSSI, arts patrons, philanthropists, civic leaders, and diplomats, and members of the QSSI Junior Committee.
The event was generously supported by Aria Classics, The New York Philharmonic, and The Los Angeles Philharmonic. Further support came from Jorge Ordóñez Selections, Círculo Fortuny, Puig, Carolina Herrera, Castillo de Canena, Cinco Jotas, Mercer Street, and NUBA.
The evening featured a musical performance by renowned cellist Gregorio Nieto and pianist Riko Higuma with a repertoire of American and Spanish songs.
