Imusicapella, a renowned choir group from Imus, Cavite, Philippines, achieved a remarkable victory at the 29th Béla Bartók International Choir Competition, held in Hungary in July 2024. This prestigious event, celebrated for its focus on contemporary choral music and named after the famous Hungarian composer Béla Bartók, attracts top-tier choral groups worldwide.
Under the skilled direction of conductor Tristan Ignacio, Imusicapella demonstrated their exceptional talent and versatility by delivering powerful performances that resonated with both the judges and the audience. Their repertoire featured a blend of Filipino folk songs and contemporary pieces, showcasing their technical proficiency and emotional depth.
The choir’s success at this competition is a testament to their hard work and dedication and a significant achievement for the Philippines’ rich choral tradition. Imusicapella’s win highlights the country’s growing presence in the global choral music scene and continues to inspire other Filipino choirs to pursue excellence in international competitions.
Founded in 2002, Imusicapella has consistently excelled in various international competitions, earning recognition as one of the Philippines’ premier choral groups. Their latest victory at the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition adds another prestigious accolade to their impressive list of accomplishments, solidifying their status as a leading force in the world of choral music.
About the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition
The 29th edition of the prestigious Béla Bartók International Choir Competition was held in the historical city of Debrecen, Hungary, from the 1st to the 4th of August. This year, the competition showcased four outstanding choirs’ incredible talent and artistry, culminating in a thrilling Grand Prix competition. Imusicapella, from the Philippines, a group known for their exceptional vocal harmonies and musicality, emerged victorious and claimed the coveted grand prize.
Zoltán Kocsis-Holper, the President of the Artistic Committee of the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition, praised the participating choirs for their dedication to contemporary choral music and the high level of professionalism displayed throughout the event. He emphasized the importance of building artistic relationships and cultural exchange among musicians from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the unifying power of music.
The Béla Bartók International Choir Competition is renowned for its commitment to promoting excellence in choral music and providing a platform for talented ensembles to showcase their skills on a global stage. Founded in 1961, the competition has established itself as one of the most prestigious music competitions in the world, attracting top choirs from around the globe.
As the winners of this year’s Grand Prix competition, Imusicapella will be honoured to represent Hungary at the prestigious European Grand Prix for Choral Singing, where they will compete against other top European choirs. This prestigious event, held in different locations each year, celebrates the rich choral tradition and is a testament to the power of music to unite people from diverse cultures.
Looking ahead, the future of the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition promises even more excitement and opportunities for talented musicians to shine. In 2025, young trombonists, trumpet, and horn players will showcase their skills at the Zoltán Kodály International Music Competition, while 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition. This milestone will be celebrated with special events and performances.
The 29th Béla Bartók International Choir Competition was a resounding success, showcasing choral musicians’ exceptional talent and passion worldwide. Imusicapella’s victory is a testament to their dedication and artistry, and they will no doubt continue to inspire audiences with their beautiful harmonies and musical excellence. The competition’s legacy of promoting cultural exchange and artistic collaboration will endure, ensuring that choral music continues to thrive and unite people across borders.
- hector pascua with reports from Imusicapella won the Grand Prize of The Béla Bartók International Choir Competition – BBCC (bartokcompetition.hu) Picture: (1) Facebook
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