For the first time in history: a Ukrainian sound engineer has won a Latin Grammy
25 May 14:18
Ukrainian sound engineer Volodymyr Punko received a Latin Grammy Award for his work on the album *Y el canto de todas* by Spanish guitarist Rafael Serraleta. This is an instrumental project created in collaboration between the guitarist and the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the M. Skoryk Lviv National Philharmonic. The sound engineer shared the news on his Instagram page, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The album won inthe “Best Instrumental Album” category. According to the award rules, the prize in this category can be shared by several members of the creative team—the artist, producer, and sound engineer.
As a result, two statuettes came to Ukraine: Volodymyr Punko received the award as a recording and mixing engineer, and orchestra conductor Serhiy Khorovets as a music producer.
Punko himself noted that he handled the entire process of sound production—from recording to mastering—combining technical precision with artistic expression.
“The album brings together the musical traditions of Latin America, Spain, and academic orchestral culture, offering interpretations of works inspired by folk, Latin American, and classical music. The project has become a musical dialogue between cultures, in which the guitar serves as the central voice of an emotional, vivid, and multi-layered sonic narrative,” the sound engineer wrote.
He also called himself the first Ukrainian sound engineer to win a “Latin Grammy.”
The award ceremony took place in Las Vegas back in October, though Punko himself did not attend the event. He also thanked Rafael Serralet for accepting the award on behalf of their team.
The album *Y el canto de todas* is dedicated to the music of female composers from Latin America. It includes works by Violeta Parra, Chabuca Granda, María Luisa Anido, Consuelo Velázquez, and other female composers—all of which have been reimagined for guitar and orchestra, with the guitar playing a central role.
The Latin Grammy is one of the world’s most prestigious music awards, presented by the Latin Recording Academy.
The award has been presented since 2000. Winners are determined by a vote of the music industry’s professional community, which includes performers, producers, and sound engineers.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
