Participants in SU int’l choral festival perform in concert
The Jia Yi Primary School Children’s Choir from Ping-Tung County, Taiwan performs during the gala concert of participating choirs of the first Silliman University International Choral Festival, August 2, 2023 at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium.
The participating choirs of the 1st Silliman University (SU) International Choral Festival showcased their workshopped musical numbers in a gala concert, August 2, 2023 at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium.
All the 16 choirs performed two songs each, which were processed in critiquing sessions that began on August 1-2.
Music practitioners Timothy Wayne-Wright, Mark Anthony Carpio, Dr. Elizabeth Susan Vista-Suarez, Joel Navarro, and Katrina Saga handled the critiquing as well as the mentoring sessions.
According to Vista-Suarez, SU College of Performing and Visual Arts dean and the festival’s creative director, the participating choirs were divided into groups; each one comprising five choirs. The groups then took turns having sessions with all the mentors. “The mentoring sessions were a moving experience. The music connected us to each other and formed a bond of unity,” said Vista-Suarez.
Saga, the festival’s director, was surprised about the outcome of the workshops.
“The level of musicality of all the participants is unbelievable. The way they interacted with each other during the sessions and the energy they gave to the mentors was very inspiring to watch,” said Saga.
Navarro, a guest mentor, posted on Facebook the uniqueness of the festival activities.
“In an age where choral competitions are aplenty, it’s heartening to know that there are rare occasions like these where choirs are given the opportunity to meet and sing for each other, exchange music, and learn how to sing and serve the music better,” wrote Navarro on his post.
The festival runs until August 5. The closing ceremony on that day will be at the Lamberto Macias Gymnasium at 7:00 p.m. Admission to the closing ceremony is free.
