The Brazilian guitarist FABIO ZANON has been awarded the 10th Carlos Gomes Prize, the major award for classical music in Brazil, as "Best Instrumental Soloist". The award ceremony was held at Teatro Sao Pedro in S?o Paulo on the 6th of October. Mr Zanon had to send a deputy to collect the trophy, as he was scheduled to perform Villa-Lobos' Guitar Concerto in Jacksonville, Florida, on the day after. In its 10 years of existence the Carlos Gomes Prize has become the most coveted public recognition of musical excellence in Brazil. In the past, the "Best Instrumental Soloist" category has been awarded to musicians like the cellist Antonio Meneses (a member of Beaux Arts Trio) and pianists Nelson Freire and Arnaldo Cohen. The prize has now 11 categories, not only for performers but also for orchestras, chamber ensembles, opera and musical producers.

The jury consists of musical personalities (many of whom have been awarded the prize before), producers and critics, who shortlist 3 names for each category. Mr Zanon was shortlisted along a cellist and a harpsichordist.