A choir from Quezon City has gained recognition on the international scene.
With a score of 93 points, Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation, Inc. Concert Chorus bagged the gold medal in the mixed chamber choirs category at the World Choir Games 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday.
They also clinched first place in the sacred choral music with accompaniment category.
The World Choir Games are said to be the biggest choral festival and competition in the world. Thirty countries competed in the event, which took place in Auckland from July 10-20.
In an interview with GMA News Online, choir member Michael Fabian shared his group’s reaction during the awarding ceremony.
“Nu’ng results time na, kinakabahan na kami. Nu’ng in-announce na out of the 7 choir, kami na lang ‘yung hindi pa natawag, doon nag-conclude na sila na kami ‘yung matatawag. Sobrang saya na namin lahat. Naka-jacket kaming lahat kasi ang lamig. Pero nu’ng bago tawagin, sabi namin, tanggalin na ‘yang mga jacket ninyo, kasi aakyat tayo sa stage, kakanta ng Lupang Hinirang,” he said.
(We felt nervous when the results were announced. When our group was the only one among the seven choirs to not be called, it was concluded that we would win. Everybody was overjoyed. We were in jackets because it was cold. However, we made the decision to remove our jackets before the winner was declared since we were going to perform Lupang Hinirang on stage.)
According to Fabian, it was the first time in more than a decade that the Lupang Hinirang, the national anthem of the Philippines, was performed at an international choral competition.
“We are so happy with what we have achieved. All the challenges and fatigue, all of those concluded with a joyous song, our national anthem. We were able to raise our flag and make our country proud,” he added.
The choir consists of 30 singing individuals, along with 5 board members, supporting staff, and their conductor, Nicanor Castro Infante.
They’d spent nearly a year preparing for the competition.
Fabian admitted they had difficulty sticking to rehearsal schedules because majority of the group members are students.
Most of the members, according to Fabian, are graduates of the children’s choir program, and their ages range from 18 to 27.
But despite the age differences, Fabian said, “What unites us is our passion for singing and the friendship that has formed.”
Fabian, meanwhile, acknowledged the Quezon City government for its support of the group.
“They really asked us kung anong kailangan. They were really supportive, especially since Mayor Joy Belmonte is the founding chairman of the foundation,” he said.
(They really asked us what we needed. They were really supportive, especially since Mayor Joy Belmonte is the founding chairman of the foundation.)
Fabian hopes that since Filipinos are well-known for their love of music and have a reputation as talented singers, other local government units will also make investments in and promote the performing arts sector.
“Everywhere you go, performing arts cannot be taken away from the name of the Philippines. We sing because it is part of who we are,” he said. — VBL/KG, GMA Integrated News
