Cebu chamber singers in 'A symphony of voices'

CEBU, Philippines - They brought glory to the country, specifically Cebu, when they bagged gold medals in choir competitions abroad. The Cebu Chamber Singers will bat for another gold haul as they once again compete in the prestigious Busan International Choral Competition to be held next month in South Korea.

The Busan stage is no stranger to the talented men and women of Cebu Chamber Singers. In 2008, they won the Gold diploma in the Mixed Voices Classic category and Bronze in the Ethnic category. It was no mean feat, as it was participated in by choirs from powerhouse countries such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Russia and the United States.

However, their first major victory beyond local shores was winning two gold medals in the 1st Asian Choir Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2007. Besting all other gold awardees, the Cebu Chamber Singers was proclaimed the "Winner of the Asian Open" for the Gospel and Spiritual, and the Mixed Chamber Choir categories.

But before the group, composed of Cebuano professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.) and music enthusiasts, will impress jurors abroad, they will first stage a concert dubbed "A Symphony of Voices" this Friday, October 14, 7 pm at the Grand Ballroom of Sarrosa International Hotel. As local acts who’ve gained international recognition always say, there’s nothing like performing and hearing heartfelt applause from one’s hometown crowd.

Its dynamic members — who come from different parish, school, and community choirs — promise to treat the crowd with their pure blend of talent and expertise, in an exciting repertoire of folk, popular and religious music. Tickets for the concert are sold at Sarrosa International Hotel.

Formed in July of 2006 by prominent Cebuano musician Maestro Dennis Gregory Sugarol and US-based musician Rey Roa, the group has been singing regularly at the Pedro Calungsod Shrine, and is also a staple in social and religious events in the city. They are currently trained and conducted by the award-winning Sugarol. (FREEMAN)