Venezuelan artist Danny Ocean provided the music for the presentation of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to his compatriot María Corina Machado. Although the honoree was absent from the moving ceremony, the event was also attended by Venezuelan leaders and journalists, her daughter Ana Corina Sosa Machado, and other important dignitaries.
In addition to Danny Ocean, pianist Gabriela Montero also performed at the gala. Both artists have been outspoken opponents of Nicolás Maduro's regime and represented the approximately 10 million people who have left the country, fleeing repression and the economic and human consequences of Chavismo.
In his performance, Danny Ocean sang, accompanied by a piano, versions of the classic Alma Llanera, considered a second national anthem of Venezuela, as well as the song titled Venezuela, which has become one of the diaspora's songs to represent nostalgia for their homeland.
For her part, Montero, an internationally trained classical pianist who currently resides in Europe, performed the Venezuelan anthem Gloria al bravo pueblo , as well as Mi querencia , by the Venezuelan singer-songwriter Simón Díaz, the same composer of the now international song Caballo Viejo.
Both artist were invited to perform by Machado herself.
Although Machado had announced she would be in Oslo to receive the Nobel Prize, she encountered setbacks on her journey from Venezuela, which she described as "very dangerous." However, it was confirmed that she would arrive this Wednesday, December 10, and that she would participate in a press conference on Thursday, December 11.
Her daughter read a message from her mother, and then addressed the audience herself.
"I must say that my mother never breaks a promise. And that's why, with all the joy in my heart, I can tell you that in just a few hours we will be able to hug her here in Oslo after 16 months," said Sosa, who was grateful for the opportunity to see her mother, while there are many Venezuelans "who today will not be able to see their mothers."
"This is what drives her, what drives us all. She (Machado) wants to live in a free Venezuela and will never give up on that goal. That's why we all know, I know, that she will soon be back in Venezuela."
