The high-pitched and electric sound of the Bagpipes gives rhythm to every street in the center of Oviedo since last Monday, when the week of the Princess of Asturias Awards began. However, the number of bagpipers seemed to double this Thursday with the arrival of the Royal Family to the Prince Felipe Auditorium. It was half an hour after seven in the afternoon when the Head of State, accompanied by Doña Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, got out of their official cars to attend the XXXI concert that precedes the awards.
This appointment marked the reappearance of Infanta Doña Sofía. The youngest daughter of the Kings studies in Wales at the UWC Atlantic College and next Saturday she begins the October holidays. However, she has traveled to accompany her sister during what will probably be the most special awards. Because the Princess of Asturias turns 18 in just 11 days and these awards are a turning point, probably the last in which she shares the stage with her parents. Doña Sofía debuted a black jumpsuit, while Leonor chose a dress in the same tone, but printed in white in her first appearance without her military uniform since she entered the Zaragoza Academy on August 17. The Queen, for her part, wore black pants and a pink shirt with puffed sleeves.
This year, due to the current international situation, the Foundation organized the “concert with a flavor of peace.” The Foundation Choir, together with the Principality of Asturias Symphony Orchestra, performed Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis and Dona nobis pacem, by Ralph VaughanWilliams, under the direction of Martyn Brabbins, with the participation of soloists Verity Wingate (soprano ) and Paul Grant (baritone). It was an hour-long concert, which ended with the Asturian anthem and a long ovation from the audience, among whom were all the winners except the marathon runner Kipchoge. Thus ended the Prelude to the Awards that will be presented tomorrow, and a day of intense activity for the winners.
Even the reclusive Haruki Murakami has succumbed to the magic and atmosphere that Oviedo generates. Literature Award, the Japanese has been part of a meeting with a representation of the teachers and students of 3rd and 4th years of Secondary Education and Baccalaureate who have participated in the activity of the cultural program for educational centers “Take the floor” inspired by his work. At the same time, in two other Asturian schools, other students were participating in a meeting with representatives of Mary’s Meal and Medications for Neglected Diseases, both winners of Concord and Cooperation Awards respectively. Mary’s Meal representatives later shared their story and journey with a group of local organizations.
Meryl Streep, whose presence in Oviedo arouses great sympathy, shared part of her talent with students from the Oviedo Higher School of Dramatic Arts, who dared to do small performances in front of her. Additionally, at night she screened The Pentagon Files at the Weapons Factory.
