(Eagle News)—The University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors added another feather to their cap after being named the grand winner of the 66th Polifonico Internazionale “Guido D’Arezzo” Choral Competition.
The win means the group led by renowned conductor and founder Ed Manguiat will be competing in the most prestigious competition in the world, the European Choral Grand Prix, next year.
UPSA also won first prize in the monographic, secular, sacred music and compulsory categories, besting countries such as Argentina, Estonia, Slovenia and Italy.
“We still have a month left to spend in Europe but we are so excited to bring back home the laurels we achieved for the Filipino people,” UPSA said in a Facebook post.
After being declared the grand prize winner, UPSA was made to sing again for the audience, and gave a powerful rendition of “The Prayer,” prompting a standing ovation from members of the audience.
When asked to sing again, UPSA opted for the more rhythmic “Katakataka,” giving the audience a glimpse of the group’s musical flexibility.
UPSA’s win of the prestigious contest comes almost a month after the group was declared the first prize winner of the Habaneras and Polyphony categories in the 64th Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia Torrevieja in Spain.
Weeks before, UPSA also bagged the Grand Prize in the Sing! Berlin International Choir Competition in Germany.
After the group won there, it held “The Reason We Sing” concert as part of their three-month Europe tour, in Wiesbaden, Germany.
UPSA was founded by Manguiat in 1980.
