The European Grand Prix for Choral Singing (GPE) is like the Olympics of the Chorale World. It happens every two years: Year 1 is when different Choirs compete to qualify for the EGP and Year 2 is when the choirs compete for the title itself.
The Philippine Madrigal Singers is the only choir from the Philippines who has one twice (the other choir who has won twice is APZ Tone Tomšič.) I believe the Madz is the only choir from the Philippines who has won.
The Ateneo College Glee Club (ACGC), the oldest University Choir in the Philippines has qualified for the GPE twice. The first was during Sir Joel Navarro's time and the second was last year under the baton of Ma'am Malou Hermo.
I used to sing with the ACGC back in College. So I was very interested to see their progress.
The Philippine Madrigal Singers is the only choir from the Philippines who has one twice (the other choir who has won twice is APZ Tone Tomšič.) I believe the Madz is the only choir from the Philippines who has won.
The Ateneo College Glee Club (ACGC), the oldest University Choir in the Philippines has qualified for the GPE twice. The first was during Sir Joel Navarro's time and the second was last year under the baton of Ma'am Malou Hermo.
I used to sing with the ACGC back in College. So I was very interested to see their progress.
The ACGC competed just this weekend in Maribor, Slovenia for the GPE. But unfortunately, they lost against the Sofia Vocalensemble of Sweden.
At the end of the day, I think the who the judges will chose as the winner, is also dependent on the criteria these judges place importance on. Human subjectivity still plays a role in these competitions.
Other factors that may have affected this result is the fact that not everyone from the Tour Cast of 2011 were present for the 2012 competition.
Still, I think that qualifying for the GPE twice, under 2 different conductors, and with singers who are (mostly) not music majors-- the fact that Ateneo De Manila University does not even have a music program-- is a feat unto itself.
I am proud to have the ACGC represent the country.
And now for some good music.... click the videos below and enjoy!
Other factors that may have affected this result is the fact that not everyone from the Tour Cast of 2011 were present for the 2012 competition.
Still, I think that qualifying for the GPE twice, under 2 different conductors, and with singers who are (mostly) not music majors-- the fact that Ateneo De Manila University does not even have a music program-- is a feat unto itself.
I am proud to have the ACGC represent the country.
And now for some good music.... click the videos below and enjoy!
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