Composer Antón García Abril died at the age of 87 from COVID-19.

Born on May 19, 1933, in Teruel, Spain, Abril studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid. He was one of the most prominent composers in Spain and his work exceeds 200 scores for Spanish cinema and television programs, in addition to having been the author of orchestral music, chamber music, and vocal works.

Between 1974 and 2003 he was director of the Department of Composition and Musical Forms at the Royal Conservatory of Madrid, a Member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, and a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Carlos de Valencia. Years later he was a member of the Royal Academy of Nobles and Fine Arts of San Luis. He was also a pianist and his work revolved around opera.

His dedication and virtue made him distinguished with awards and recognitions. He won the National Music Prize in 1993; the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts in 1998; the Knight Grand Cross of the Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise in 2005; as well as the 2006 Tomás Luis de Victoria Award. In the year 2015, he won the Simón de Honor award.