UV Chorale’s first shot at in’tl competition ends on a high note

Despite obstacles, the UV Chorale found its winning voice at the 2007 Busan Choral Festival and Competition last October 31 to November 3 in Busan, South Korea, which saw 36 choral groups of 15 countries from four continents in action.

From the funds needed to raise, to some unexpected health problems among members, to other challenges that surfaced just a couple of days into the competition that nearly left them confused if not disheartened, their journey to the world stage was far from an easy climb. But it was a potent combination of undeniable talent, fighting spirit, winning mindset and lots of prayers that ensured their triumphant finish—a silver and bronze medal, an “Internationally Very Good” ranking, and a cache of invaluable learning experiences.  

The competition was reportedly tougher this year with more entries from Europe. The set of judges was also more impressive: Germany’s Prof. Volker Hempfling, conductor of the Chamber Chorst of the Robert Schumann-Hochschule in Dusseldorf; Sweden’s Fred Sjoberg, choral conductor at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm and Orebro; Argentina’s Osca Escalada, professor of conducting and composition at the Conservatory of La Plata; Japan’s Saeko Hasegawa, executive director of the Japan Choral Association; China’s Yang Li, Conservatory of Music in Beijing professor and Tianjin Symphony Orchestra art director; Korea’s Bae Seung-Taek and Gu Cheon, pres. of Busan City Music Association, and pres. of the Korea Federation for Choral Music, respectively. 

A couple of days before the tilt, Dr. Fe Cuenca, the group’s official chaperone and “second mother” didn’t deny that there were some problems that arose with the conductor, Anna Piquero, who was also conducting another group to the competition, the UE Choir. But the surprise  arrival of the University of the Visayas Executive Vice President, Dr. Jose “Dodong” Gullas and wife Nena, who also serves as the choir’s manager, proved to be the turning point for the group, said Dr. Cuenca.

According to the choir members, they broke into tears upon seeing “Sir Dodong and Ma’am Nena because we didn’t expect that they will come to watch us compete.”   

Being a neophyte to international tilts, they did not raise their hopes too high, but took Dr. Gullas’ advice to heart. “Sir Dodong simply told us to give our best shot,” according to Sherwin Sulla, an Education graduating student and one of the most senior members of the chorale. 

After their performance, Jonathan Velasco, a Filipino conductor who has been tapped to judge international competitions and was in Busan as well to give choral workshops, was all praises for the “first-timer”, adding that “Iba talaga ang tunog ng Cebuano. (Cebuanos really have a unique sound.)”

Even their conductor, Piquero, was surprised by the intensity of their performance, amazed at how they transcended expectations, never pulling back—but continuously soaring in their voices as they competed in the classical and ethnic categories. 

Interestingly, all throughout the competition, the students said that they only had one thing in mind: that they bring home something that fellow Cebuanos can be truly proud of. The international audience and stage made them proud like no other to be representing not just the University of the Visayas, but also Cebu and the country.  (To be continued)