The Association for Art and Culture (Bolivia) instituted a prize several years ago, established in remembrance of the great architect Hans Roth and his incomparable efforts in restoring the rich cultural and historical patrimony of Bolivia.

The 2008 Hans Roth Prize was awarded to Florilegium’s Artistic Director, Ashley Solomon, for his work in promoting and publicising the music found in the musical archives of Bolivia, especially those of Moxos and Chiquitos, and for his tireless efforts and assistance in helping the native Bolivian Indian musicians grow in stature, improve their abilities and increase their presence on the international stage.

This is the first time a British person has been honoured with this award and it was presented to Ashley at the end of the VII Festival “Misiones de Chiquitos” on 4 May 2008. The ceremony was broadcast live on National Television just prior to the final concert of the festival where Florilegium and Arakaendar Bolivia Choir, directed by Ashley Solomon, presented a programme of music from the archives of Moxos and la Plata.

The recordings and collaboration between Florilegium and Bolivian musicians have received worldwide critical acclaim and awards.

Bolivian Baroque Volume 2, the debut CD with the Bolivian choir Arakaendar Bolivia, directed by Ashley Solomon, was nominated in the 2008 BBC Music Magazine’s category for the best choral CD of the year and were eventually runners up. Considering the choir was established by Ashley in December 2005 and, just four months later, in April 2006 they made this recording, this is an extraordinary achievement. Like Volume 1, this was recorded for Channel Classics in the Mission Church of Concepcion in the Bolivian jungle.

A third Bolivian CD has been recorded, again with the Arakaendar Bolivia and Florilegium directed by Ashley Solomon; Christmas Music from Bolivia, should be issued in October 2008.