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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider PCSO Chorale named Grand Prix champion in Korea International Choir Competition

PCSO Chorale named Grand Prix champion in Korea International Choir Competition

Published Mar 1, 2026 09:48 pm
INCHEON, South Korea — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chorale on March 1 emerged as Grand Prix Champion at the Korea International Choir Competition 2026, besting 47 other chorales in the highly competitive event held at the Incheon National University.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chorale wins at the Korea International Choir Competition 2026 held at the Incheon National University on March 1.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chorale wins at the Korea International Choir Competition 2026 held at the Incheon National University on March 1.
Facing chorales from Indonesia, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Malaysia, the United States, Poland, and the Philippines, the PCSO Chorale secured the championship with its performances of “Puer Natus in Bethlehem” and “Te Lucis Ante Terminum” during the finals, which was adjudicated by a 14-member international jury composed of choral experts and music professionals.
Apart from winning the top prize, the PCSO Chorale also clinched gold medals in both the Sacred Music Category and the Mixed Category.
As the Grand Prix winner, the group secured a spot in the prestigious Asia Choral Grand Prix, which gathers top-winning choirs from major international choral competitions across the region.
In other category results, Central Bicol State University won a gold medal in the Pop and Jazz Category and a silver medal in the Mixed Category.
Special awards were also presented during the competition. Eunmi Yu of the Gyeyang District Boys and Girls Choir (South Korea) received the Best Conductor Award, while The Children’s Choir of the Ekaterinburg State Opera and Ballet Theater (Russia) won Best Choreography.
The PCSO Chorale was led by choir conductor Robert Delgado and choir master Tristan Ignacio.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said the 2026 KICC marked the first time the PCSO Chorale joined an international competition.
“This remarkable achievement reflects the extraordinary talent and dedication of the PCSO Chorale. Their victory brings pride not only to our institution but to the entire Filipino nation. Through music, they have once again demonstrated the excellence and global competitiveness of Filipino artists,” Robles said.
Established in 1998, the PCSO Chorale is composed of employees of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The group was revitalized in September 2023 under the leadership of General Manager Melquiades Robles and Choir Conductor Robert Delgado.
The Korea International Choir Competition is a premier international choral event that debuted in Songdo, South Korea and features competitions, guest performances, workshops, masterclasses, and a K-pop concert.
The PCSO Chorale’s qualification to the 7th Asia Choral Grand Prix in Manila in August 2027 marks another milestone for the group following its first foray into international competition.
Robles assured continued institutional support for the chorale as it prepares for the next stage.
“We will continue to support the PCSO Chorale in its pursuit of excellence. Their dedication and hard work inspire us, and we remain committed to providing them opportunities to grow and represent the Philippines with pride,” he said.
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