The Section B of the 45th International Choral Competition, “C.A. Seghizzi” is made up of four categories, namely:

Category A, mixed voice choirs won by Hansabanks Koris Saulkrasti Rigas Rajons of Lettonia; Category B, male voice choir won by our own UPCC; Category C, female voice choir won by Female Chorus Podmoskovye Stupino of Russia; and Category D, children’s choir won by Boy’s Choir Iskra San Pie Troburgo of Russia.

UPCC’s win is significant because they are known more as a mixed group and their first try in the all-male voice choir category garnered them top honors. They can now qualify for the European Grand Prix Choral Competition in 2007. Sa lahat ng mga sponsors ng UPCC 17th World Tour at sa marami nating mga kababayan sa iba’t-ibang panig ng mundo na walang sawang tumatangkilik at sumusoporta sa UPCC, maraming salamat.

As publicist, I joined the UPCC in Milan, Italy on July 28. Despite the warm weather, the Chorus was at their best in all their performances. At the premiere night, Consul General and Mrs. Pedro Chan attended the UPCC concert. Congen Chan was all praises for the group for bringing great honor to our country. By the way, maraming salamat sa aking host family, ang mag-anak ni RR Padillo.

700 YOUNG MUSICIANS IN SCOTLAND

On August 1, we flew to Aberdeen, Scotland in time for the Aberdeen International Youth Festival. Sa pagkakataong ito ko naranasan ang hirap na dinaranas ng UPCC members sa kanilang paglalakbay. From the airport, they did not have the luxury to rest. Immediately, we were brought to a welcome reception. After a short night’s sleep, the chorus rehearsed all morning in preparation for the opening ceremony in the afternoon.

For the first time in 34 years, the opening parade which usually heralds the festival was cancelled due to the unseasonably wintry weather. But the wind and rain did nothing to dampen the spirit of hundreds of young people who traveled from around the world to perform.

This year, more than 700 young musicians, singers, and dancers gathered in the Granite City to take part in the world-renowned annual event. Participating countries included Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Scotland, Zambia, China, Philippines, France, Canada, Ireland, Azerbaijan, Ghana, Israel, Norway, Hungary and Sri Lanka.

Lord Provost John Reynolds and Councillor Scott Cassie, chairman of the festival trust, welcomed the performers, who hailed from 16 countries and a number of dignitaries from countries including the Philippines, Ghana and China. Lord Provost Reynolds described the festival as a wonderful opportunity for the people of Aberdeen to see young talents from across the world and he urged all those taking part to really enjoy their time in the city.

During the opening ceremony, Scotland’s Grampian Youth Orchestra did an outstanding job performing the national anthem of each country, under the direction of conductor Julian Clayton, while a representative from each group carried a flag to the front of the stage. Except for China and Zambia, the UPCC sang the national anthems of the participating countries, under the direction of conductor Janet Sabas-Aracama. Nang awitin ang ating Pambansang Awit, walang tigil ang pag-agos ng aking luha sa kagalakan. I was very proud to be a Filipino.

STANDING OVATIONS, SINGULAR HONORS

The big night for the Philippine delegation came on August 9 when the UPCC had its premier night. The chorus gave an outstanding performance in a three-part program which includes traditional, folk and contemporary Philippine choral compositions plus international works. The favorite numbers were the “Kalesa “and “I Believe I Can Fly.” After several standing ovations, the chorus favored the audience with a few encores. Scotland’s Loch Lomond as encore would always bring audiences into tears.

A veteran of 16 world tours, the UPCC contributed immensely to promoting Filipino culture and heritage. As the University’s premier ambassadors to the world, the group holds the singular honor of being invited to the prestigious Aberdeen International Youth Festival in Scotland and four times for command performances for Queen Elizabeth. It also holds the distinction of being chosen as one of the world’s best choirs at the 4th Lincoln Center International Choral Festival in New York City.

As the festival comes close to an end, I can’t help but become teary eyed remembering my days here in Aberdeen, Scotland. No amount of money could buy the experience I had traveling with the chorus. At the farewell party tonight, I will make sure I have a box of tissue. I am sure tears of joy will be the order of the day. Indeed, the festival that brought people around the world together will remain a special memory that will not be forgotten for a long, long time.