Philippines Wins 4th Asia Chorale Prize
Filipino Choral Excellence Shines: Sola Gratia Chorale Crowned Champion at 4th Asia Chorale Prix in Singapore
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Philippine Ensembles Dominate Prestigious International Competition
SINGAPORE, 25 July 2025 – the Philippine Embassy in Singapore proudly celebrates the resounding victory of the sola Gratia Chorale, led by conductor Mr. Cyril punay,who clinched the coveted Champion title at the 4th Asia Chorale Prix. The prestigious international choral competition concluded yesterday, 24 July 2025, at the historic Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore, marking a triumphant moment for Filipino musical talent on the global stage.
This remarkable achievement follows Sola Gratia Chorale’s equally impressive performance in 2024, where they were also crowned the overall champion of the 8th Singapore International Choral Festival. Their consistent excellence underscores their position as a leading force in Asian choral music.
The Embassy also extends its commendation to the University of Mindanao Chorale and its conductor, Mr. Timothy Paul Atencio, for their powerful and moving performance. Their participation further amplified the strong presence of Filipino artistry, proudly flying the Philippine flag high among the international competitors.
A Global Showcase of Vocal Prowess
The 4th Asia Chorale Prix presented a captivating display of world-class vocal artistry, featuring five of Asia’s top choral ensembles. The competition saw intense yet amiable rivalry between two formidable groups from the Philippines, two from the Republic of Korea (Cheorwon Boys and Girls Choir; and Korea Choir), and one from Indonesia (Vocalista Harmonic Choir Isi Yogyakarta). Each ensemble brought their unique interpretations and technical brilliance to the stage, vying for the prestigious title.
Esteemed Judging Panel Recognizes Filipino Talent
The performances were meticulously evaluated by a distinguished panel of renowned choral experts and leaders from across the globe. The jury comprised:
Ms. Ai Hooi Lim (Singapore)
Mr. Tommyanto kandisaputra (Indonesia)
Ms. Susanna saw (Malaysia)
Mr. Hee Churl Kim (South Korea)
Mr. Luc Anthonis (Belgium)
Mr. Māris Sirmais (Latvia)
Mr. Michael Barrett (South Africa)
Mr. Paulo Lourenço (Portugal)
* Ms. Tove Ramlo-Ystad (Norway)
The collective expertise and discerning ears of these international adjudicators ensured a fair and rigorous assessment, highlighting the exceptional quality of the Sola Gratia Chorale’s winning performance.
Singapore Hosts Prestigious Event for the First Time
This year’s 4th Asia Chorale Prix marked a meaningful milestone as it was hosted in singapore for the first time, underscoring the city-state’s growing prominence as a hub for cultural and artistic events in the region.
Philippine Embassy chargé D’affaires joyleen E. Santos and Cultural Officer Rosellie L. Bantay were honored to witness this proud and momentous occasion. They joined in celebrating this remarkable Filipino victory, a testament to the dedication and passion of the Sola Gratia Chorale and the University of Mindanao Chorale.
This triumph serves as a fitting party of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino, honoring the immense talent, unwavering passion, and global excellence of Filipino music. The success of these choirs resonates deeply, inspiring a new generation of artists and reinforcing the Philippines’ vibrant contribution to the international music scene.
Long live Filipino music!