Filipino children’s choir Young Voices of the Philippines (YVP) made waves across the globe as it clinched top spots in all four categories at the 2023 Golden Gate International Choral Festival in San Francisco. This victory came on the heels of their groundbreaking debut at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City, marking a major milestone in their musical journey.
The YVP triumphed in the Youth Choir category’s Historical, Folk, Gospel/Spiritual, and Contemporary Competitions. In a spectacular display of talent, they surpassed 13 other choral groups from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Estonia, Georgia, and Lithuania. The 12th edition of this triennial international festival, held from July 9 to 15, saw YVP ascend as the undisputed champions in their category.
Just days before this victory, the Filipino choir made history at the iconic Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. On July 7, they showcased Philippine music to the world, becoming the first Filipino children’s choir to perform at this prestigious venue. The YVP premiered an exquisite four-movement piece for treble voices, the Missa Virtutum (Mass of Virtues). This remarkable composition was the brainchild of internationally published Filipino composer Jude B. Roldan, with Dr. Janet Hostetter wielding the conductor’s baton.
The group’s victories were part of a larger endeavor – their first United States tour, which included the International Youth Choral Symposium at the University of Maryland and performances at various churches in the Bay Area and Oregon. Among the pieces they performed were Cantate Domino and Dies Irae by Prof. Jude B. Roldan, as well as Orde-E by Dr. Maria Theresa Vizconde-Roldan.
As they celebrate their triumphant victories, YVP extends an invitation to the public to witness their final performance on this tour, scheduled for July 23 at the Church of the Epiphany in San Francisco.
Founded in 2020, YVP serves as a scholar choir of the Treble Choir Association of the Philippines. This vibrant choir, comprising 40 young choristers from diverse social backgrounds, regularly performs at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao and various diplomatic and national events. They represent not just the music of the Philippines, but also the resilience, diversity, and unity of its people.
From their historic Carnegie Hall debut to sweeping the awards at the Golden Gate International Choral Festival, the YVP continues to elevate the international stature of Filipino choral music. They indeed serve as a testament to the rich and vibrant musical talent fostered in the hearts of Filipino singers, much like the achievements of Pavarotti Trophy winner Kammerchor Manila in the UK and Asia gold awards of Voci de Gesu Chamber Singers.
So, mark your calendars for July 23, and let’s celebrate the grand finale of their USA Tour 2023 together! The captivating voices of YVP are set to echo in the hallowed halls of the Church of the Epiphany before they bid farewell to the United States and return to their beloved Philippines.
WATCH this performance clip and SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Young Voices Philippines for winning the Golden Gate International Choral Festival and making their debut at Carnegie Hall!
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