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On 13 November, alongside names such as Enrique Bunbury, Raphael, Alejandro Sanz, Bad Bunny, Karol G, and Gloria Estefan, the music world recognised Rafael Serrallet, Doctor of Music from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), with a Latin Grammy in the category of 'Best Instrumental Album'.

Still taking in his well-deserved success, the Valencian guitarist is grateful to all the people who have helped him achieve something that many would not even dare to imagine.

Years ago, Serrallet studied and learned at the UPV. Today, with a Grammy under his arm, he continues his socially committed path in search of new challenges.

- UPV: It has been a month since that moment when silence fell over the Mandalay Convention Centre in Las Vegas, the envelope was opened and, after a few seconds that must have seemed eternal, you heard... ‘And the song of all’. Do you believe it yet?

- RAFAEL SERRALLET: Well, no, it still feels like a dream. It's impossible to describe the flood of thoughts that rushed through my mind during those seconds that felt like an eternity.

- UPV: During your speech, visibly moved, you quoted Victor Hugo, saying that music should be the one to put the words together. How did you feel at that moment?

- RAFAEL SERRALLET: An immense emotion. Curiously, I wasn't nervous; my concern was being able to speak without breaking down in tears. Everything happens so quickly on that stage that you can hardly process anything, but the emotion was running high...

- UPV: Recorded with the Kiev Philharmonic in the midst of war and dedicated to the Latin American female composers whose cause you promote, the social commitment of the album is beyond doubt. How did the project come about?

- RAFAEL SERRALLET: The seed was planted by Claudia Montero, the Argentine composer based in Valencia. She was the one who encouraged me to think about a project for the Latin Grammys. Sadly, she passed away before we could work together.

Even so, my nature always leads me to develop projects that go beyond the strictly musical. I see music as a tool for social cooperation, and that commitment is present in everything I do.

- UPV: After hearing these stories of unjust neglect, is there one that has particularly struck you, one that you feel cannot go unmentioned?

- RAFAEL SERRALLET: Any of the composers on the album would have had far greater visibility if their works had been signed by a man. If I had to highlight one, due to my proximity to her, I would mention Josefina Robledo from Valencia, an essential figure in contemporary classical guitar, who, surprisingly, is practically unknown even in our own region.

- UPV: How do you manage the recording of a project of this magnitude in the midst of an armed conflict? What has been the most difficult aspect in this regard?

- RAFAEL SERRALLET: Actually, the process was very similar to any other recording: I sent the arrangements, we reviewed the scores, I spoke with Maestro Khorovets and engineer Volodymyr Punko, we planned rehearsals and sessions...

Despite the war, people try to live as normally as possible. The most complicated aspect was reaching the country, as there are no direct flights and one must travel by land. And, of course, recording with the uncertainty of whether or not an air raid siren would sound.

- UPV: By the way, speaking of recognition, many places have claimed since your award. I have read that you are from Xirivella, Alzira, Valencia, Torrejoncillo del Rey... What is your real story?

- RAFAEL SERRALLET: I consider myself a citizen of the world: I have been carrying my suitcase and guitar around since I was very young.

I was born in Xirivella, but my father is from Torrejoncillo del Rey (Cuenca), and I am very proud of my roots in La Mancha. I spent every summer of my childhood there. As for Alzira, I don't know where that came from; it must be a mistake. I also have a very special connection with Llíria, a city where I taught for several years and where I still have great friends.

- UPV: What is beyond doubt is your time at the UPV, where you obtained your PhD in Music. What do you remember about your time at the Universitat Politècnica de València?

- RAFAEL SERRALLET: At the UPV, I discovered the rigour of research. I was fortunate to learn from extraordinary professors. My thesis supervisors were Salvador Seguí and Joaquín Arnau. Seguí was a professor at the conservatory and provided me with a musical perspective on my work. Still, every meeting with Professor Arnau was a real masterclass: his ability to connect different areas of knowledge was truly inexhaustible. He always managed to surprise me, and I learned a great deal from him.

- UPV: Returning to the awards ceremony, you thanked the audience for their belief in the dream that music can change the world. How is music helping to make this possible? What is the key to achieving this? What should be the main objective?

- RAFAEL SERRALLET: I am convinced that making music makes us better human beings. One of the essential qualities for making music is listening, and beyond the certainty that listening to classical music strengthens the brain's plasticity, activates attention, etc., for me, the ability to listen deeply that you learn when making music is fundamental. I am sure that it would help to resolve many conflicts. Music teaches us to listen and to live together.

- UPV: Finally, I would like to ask you about the future. Now that you have achieved glory with such a prestigious award, what is your next challenge? What excites Rafael Serrallet professionally right now?

- RAFAEL SERRALLET: I have several projects in the coming weeks, such as a tour in Saudi Arabia, but also another one that excites me in a very special way, even if it may seem musically minor: working with the children's choir in the town where I live, in which my youngest daughter sings.

It may be considered a minor event, but for me, it is just as important as any other, or even more so, because it serves the community where I live and also brings me joy in making music with my daughter. I hope to continue experiencing music with this same enthusiasm for many years to come.

- UPV: May it be so. Thank you very much for your time. Congratulations again, and best wishes.