Paraguay’s Chamber of Senators awarded the 2025 National Music Prize during an extraordinary session held in Asunción. This year’s award recognised works in two categories that reflect Paraguay’s diverse musical traditions.
In the Classical or Select Music category, the prize was awarded to Batalla de Curupayty by composer Carlos María Cazal. In the Popular Vernacular Music category, the winning work was Purahei Pyahu, composed by Julio Insfrán. Each received a monetary award equivalent to 1,500 minimum daily wages, totalling Gs. 161,440,500 (approximately US$ 23,700).
The ceremony was carried out in compliance with a law that establishes the 2025 National Music Prize as a key instrument for promoting artistic creation in both music and poetry nationwide.
Music rooted in history and community
Carlos María Cazal explained that Batalla de Curupayty is inspired by the historic battle fought on 22 September 1866. The battle was one of the most emblematic episodes of the War of the Triple Alliance. Through orchestral language, the work recreates the heroism of figures such as General José Eduvigis Díaz, Major Eduardo Vera, and Marshal Francisco Solano López. Upon receiving the award, Cazal dedicated the honour to his family, his parents, and his students. Moreover, he acknowledged the role of education and mentorship in artistic creation.
Julio Insfrán, meanwhile, emphasised the collective dimension of music-making. He highlighted the constant support of his brother, Maestro Rubén Insfrán. He also expressed particular pride in seeing Purahei Pyahu sung by young people in schools and colleges across Paraguay. For the composer, this response has strengthened his commitment to continue creating and supporting Paraguayan culture through music.
A prize with lasting impact
The evaluation committee was coordinated by Senator Lizarella Valiente and included Deputy Rubén Rubín, Maestro Oscar Fadlala, Professor José Cabrera, Professor Rossana Barreto, and Dr Esther Palacios. According to the panel, the selected works stood out for both their artistic quality and their ability to represent Paraguayan cultural identity in different musical forms.
The National Music Prize is awarded every two years and remains one of Paraguay’s most prestigious cultural honours. By recognising both classical composition and popular vernacular music, the award reinforces the value of musical diversity and confirms music’s central role in preserving historical memory, strengthening identity, and shaping the country’s cultural future.
Read about more 2025 awards: National Youth Award 2025 Winners: How Paraguay’s Young Leaders Shape Change
