Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announces new scholarship recipients, having awarded more than $2.5 million to date

MIAMI, FL (July 25, 2017) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced today its annual list of scholarship recipients – talented musicians from around the world who will use these awards to overcome financial hurdles and achieve their dreams. To date, more than 100 scholarships totaling a remarkable $2.5 million has been gifted by the Foundation, which continues to support Latin music in many ways, including by recognizing individuals who are looking to start or continue their music education.

With today’s announcement, the Foundation has set new annual records in 2017, presenting $870,000 in scholarships to 44 recipients. This includes previously-announced Miguel Bosé Scholarship recipient 22-year-old Dominican electric bassist Ernesto Núñez, who was honored earlier this year with a $200,000 award.

“Thanks to our generous donors, involved artists, and compassionate partners, we continue to be in a strong position to provide support to truly talented Latin music students in need and with the tools to pursue their dreams to follow in the footsteps of their Latin music icons,” said Manolo Díaz, Sr. Vice President, Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation . “While I am proud of the Foundation for breaking records in dollars and number of gifts awarded in 2017 —and passing the incredible $2.5 million and 100 scholarship milestones — I am profoundly honored to be playing a role in the advancement of these talented musicians and the spread of love for Latin music around the world.”

The 44 scholarship recipients come from countries spanning four continents: Brazil (8), Mexico (8), Venezuela (8), Colombia (4), Dominican Republic (4), United States (3), Peru (2), Puerto Rico (2), and one recipient from Costa Rica, Cuba, Indonesia, Portugal, and Spain.

The following received the Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $100,000 and covers a four-year bachelor’s degree:

• Andrés Guerra, 21, a classical guitarist from Venezuela based in Revere, MA, who will attend Berklee College of Music in Boston..

• Carolina Mercado, 22, a tenor saxophonist from Mexico, who will attend The School of Jazz at The New School in New York City.

• Nikola Vasiljevic, 17, a guitarist from the Dominican Republic, who will attend Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Additionally, 40 students will receive Tuition Assistance Scholarships — a one-time scholarship valued at up to a maximum of $10,000 each toward music education at an institution of their choice. Recipients will pursue their music education at schools such as Berklee College of Music, Indiana University, School of Jazz at The New School, the University of Southern California in the U.S., Faculdade de Música Souza Lima in Brazil, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio in Spain, and more. This group of 40 individuals includes Dominican pianist Esmirna Ortiz, who is receiving the scholarship for the third consecutive year and has already put her production engineering studies to practical use, assisting in production logistics at last year’s Latin Recording Academy® Person of the Year gala.