After performing for 40 minutes in the opening ceremony of the 47th Vina del Mar International Song Festival in Chile, singer/songwriter/producer Juan Luis Guerra received the Silver Torch award and later the Golden Torch award. As reported in the press, all the songs Guerra performed received standing ovations from more than 17,000 people attending the festival. It had been six years since Juan Luis last went to Chile, and he proved he has not lost ground in that market.
A graduate of Berklee University, Guerra became an international success for incorporating musical sophistication into traditional Dominican music. He is best known for his inspired novel lyrics and the harmony of his music.