Luis Ortega, a young flamenco singer from La Algaba, Seville, won first prize at Talent Contest Flamenco de Cante 'Naranjito de Triana' 2026Manuel de la China received the second prize, while Lucio Requena was awarded the third. In addition, all six finalists received scholarships to further their artistic training.
La Cristina Heeren Foundation for Art Flamenco The final of the Talent Competition was held at the Enrique de la Cuadra Municipal Theatre in Utrera. Flamenco de Cante 'Naranjito de Triana' 2026, an event dedicated to promoting the careers of young artists from cante flamenco and which is part of the 10th edition of the Talent Competitions FlamencoThe competition is supported by Acciona and the collaboration of the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Regional Government of Andalusia, through the Andalusian Agency of Cultural Institutions and the Andalusian Institute of Flamenco, the Utrera City Council, Grupo Joly and 101TV.
The event included institutional intervention by Cristina Heeren, president of the Cristina Heeren Art Foundation Flamenco; Manuel Diaz Cuerva, Business Development Manager Area 1 Acciona Construction; Christopher Ortega, director of the Andalusian Institute of Flamenco from the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Regional Government of Andalusia; and Francisco Jimenez Morales, mayor of Utrera.
The final featured contestants Luis Ortega, Lucio Requena, Ziyian Peng, contestant of Chinese origin known artistically as Manuel de la China, Celia Ortega, Erika Martín and Gonzalo Arteaga.
"The Cristina Heeren Foundation consolidates a new edition of its Talent Competitions" Flamencowhich in 2026 will reach its tenth edition, reaffirming its commitment to the training, artistic support and professional development of young talents from flamenco»
Following the performances, the first prize was awarded to Luis Ortega, who received the award from the hands of María Josefa Pía GarcíaDeputy Mayor, Delegate for Humanities of the Utrera City Council. second prize It fell to Manuel de la China, handed over by Carmen Ortiz Laynez, territorial delegate for Tourism, Culture and Sport in Seville. The third prize It was for Lucio Requena, who received the recognition from Cristóbal Ortega.
In addition, the following were presented at the event: Acciona Scholarships Cante 2026Luis Ortega received his scholarship from the hands of Mar Díaz Gamero, director of the Cristina Heeren Art Foundation FlamencoErika Martín, from the hands of Alberto Marina MorenoLucio Requena, Business Development Director for Acciona Area 1 in the Southern Zone, presented by Cristina Heeren; Celia Ortega, presented by Jose Valencia, flamenco singer; and Gonzalo Arteaga, from the hands of Manuel Lombo.
Along with the five Acciona scholarships awarded by the jury, the Cristina Heeren Foundation granted an additional scholarship to Manuel de la China, presented by Mar Díaz Gamero and Cristina Heeren, so that all six finalists received a scholarship to continue their artistic training at the Higher Center of Art Flamenco from the Cristina Heeren Foundation.
With this final, the Cristina Heeren Foundation consolidates a new edition of its Talent Competitions Flamencowhich in 2026 will reach its tenth edition, reaffirming its commitment to the training, artistic support and professional development of young talents from flamenco. ♦
