Latin Grammy Goes to Ukraine: Lviv-Produced Album Earns Top Honor for Sound Engineer

A First Grammy for Ukraine

According to РБК-Україна — Lite: Volodymyr Punko has won a Latin Grammy for his work on the album 'Y el canto de todas' by Spanish musician Rafael Serrallet. The album took home the award for Best Instrumental Album at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards. Remarkably, the project was recorded in Lviv during the full-scale war, underscoring its significance for Ukraine’s music scene. This achievement marks a milestone for Ukrainian professionals in the global recording industry.

The National Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Serhiy Khorovets, contributed to the recording. Punko managed the entire audio production process, while Khorovets served as the music producer. Serrallet is the lead performer, and the album celebrates women composers from Latin America. It features new orchestral arrangements of works by Violeta Parra, Chabuca Granda, and Consuelo Velázquez.

The Award and Its Impact

The Latin Grammy Awards are presented by the Latin Recording Academy. In the Best Instrumental Album category, three separate statuettes are awarded: one for the artist, one for the producer, and one for the sound engineer. The 2025 Latin Grammy ceremony took place on November 13 in Las Vegas, after which two prestigious trophies made their way to Lviv.

Volodymyr Punko commented on his achievement: 'I handled the full audio production chain, from recording to final mastering, aiming to blend technical precision, natural orchestral sound, and attention to musical expression. The album won a Latin Grammy in the Best Instrumental Album category.'

This success not only highlights the skill of Ukrainian musicians but also brings renewed hope during a challenging period.

Winning a Latin Grammy is a major step for Ukrainian music on the international stage. It proves that Ukrainian artists can achieve outstanding results even in difficult circumstances, such as war. The album, dedicated to the work of women composers, showcases the diversity and richness of Latin American culture while expanding the horizons of Ukraine’s music community, opening up new opportunities for collaboration and creativity.