The University of Santo Tomas Singers, the acclaimed mixed choral group representing the University of Santo Tomas (UST), recently concluded a triumphant 18-day international concert and competition tour titled "Beyond All Praising" covering Switzerland and Norway held from September 13 to 30, 2024. They have brought home multiple awards from the 10th Grieg International Choir Festival, including the coveted Grand Prix Award.
The 32-strong group resonated deeply with both local communities and Filipino expatriates as they shared their artistry and celebrated Filipino excellence. During their visit, the choir had the honor of meeting with His Excellency Bernard Faustino Dy, the Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland, reaffirming their dedication to showcasing the Philippines' rich cultural heritage through music.
As part of their 37th international tour, they went to the Scandinavian country of Norway, a first for the UST Singers. In Bergen, the "City of Fjords," they were met with great enthusiasm and support from the Filipino community and His Excellency Enrico T. Fos, the Philippine Ambassador to Norway. The warm welcome further fueled their passion as they prepared to compete in the prestigious 10th Grieg International Choir Festival.
Under the masterful guidance of their founder and conductor, Professor Fidel Gener Calalang Jr., the UST Singers delivered a breathtaking performance that earned them the coveted Grand Prix award on September 29, 2024. Their highly virtuosic rendition of "Sagayan," a powerful piece from the contemporary Filipino choral work Mangá Pakalagián by Nilo Alcala, captivated the audience and judges alike. This contemporary take from traditional music from the Southern Philippines, with its evocative chants and rituals, resonated within the Grieghallen, a 1,500-seat concert hall named in honor of Edvard Grieg.
The UST Singers' victory extended beyond the Grand Prix. They also secured First Prize in the Mixed Choir category and Second Prize in the Folk Music category. Their winning repertoire included "Daluyong" by Ily Matthew Maniano, a poignant tribute to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda; "Norwegian Alleluia" by Kim Andre Arnesen, a beautiful piece that seamlessly blends Nordic folk traditions with a modern choral setting; and the contemporary sacred piece “Chariots” by Dutch-born South African Composer Péter Louis van Dijk.
Named after the renowned Norwegian classical composer Edvard Grieg, the 10th Grieg International Choir Festival provided a platform for the UST Singers to compete against 30 other choirs from 10 countries all over the world such as Estonia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Denmark, and Norway.
As the sole Asian and Filipino representative at the festival, the UST Singers made history by becoming the first Filipino and Asian choir to claim the Grand Prix award in the competition's history. This remarkable achievement underscores their unwavering commitment to cultural diplomacy and musical excellence on the world stage.
Following their most recent international triumph, the UST Singers are set to continue their mission to inspire and uplift audiences with a series of performances and concerts around Metro Manila. Their journey serves as a testament to the power of music to transcend borders and connect people through shared cultural experiences.