Renowned Kammerchor Manila and its conductor Anthony Go Villanueva are in Vienna, Austria, after emerging victorious at this year’s Choir of the World competition, taking home the esteemed Pavarotti Trophy.
The renowned choral group had performed in several churches in Vienna. The highlight of their performances was on July 18, 2023, at the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy church in Vienna’s 10th District. Hundreds of „kababayans” and Austrian friends watched their programme “Resurgence,” composed of various compositions in different musical styles, classical, early music, pop, jazz, soul, and folk, including original Filipino songs.
Before coming to Austria, the Kammerchor Manila competed in the Choir of the World competition in Wales. The prestigious competition, held on July 8, 2023, in Llangollen, United Kingdom, witnessed finalists from various corners of the globe vying for the cherished Choir of the World title. However, Kammerchor Manila’s “impeccable talent and prestige” propelled them to the summit, garnering the ultimate recognition and beating the runners-up.
The Filipino choral group has two other competitions on its itinerary: in Italy and Torrevieja, Spain, from July 25-31.
Guided by Anthony G. Villanueva, Kammerchor Manila continues to deliver performances that span a diverse range of musical genres.
Villanueva expressed his appreciation to the Filipinos in Vienna for their warm acceptance and for supporting their music.
„The reception of the Filipinos na napupuntahan namin sa ibat-ibang bansa dito sa Europe especially here in Vienna ay napaka-init and they are very hospitable. Inaalagaan po kami ng husto. Maraming salamat po sa pagtangkilik sa musikang Filipino especially po sa aming Koro, ang Kammerchor Manila. Muli po akong nagpapasalamat sa Diyos at sa mga pamilya namin sa Pilipinas na sumusuporta at nagdadasal po para sa amin habang nandito kami at especially po sa aming mga host families here in Vienna,“ the versatile conductor said.
The choir also made a courtesy call to the Philippine Embassy in Vienna. Ambassador Evangelina Arroyo-Bernas was very glad to welcome the group.
Founded in 1992, Kammerchor Manila hails from Quezon City and is recognized as one of the premier church choirs in the Philippines. The non-profit organization continues to build upon its legacy of success at international choral competitions. Before clinching the Pavarotti Trophy, the Choir was already a celebrated name, having won the Grand Prix at the Queen of the Adriatic Sea International Choral Festival in Italy in 2021.
- hector pascua/pictures: Mandy Salonga
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