THE UNIVERSITY of the East Chorale scored big at the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod International Choral Festival after bagging gold awards in three categories and claiming the Grand Prix.

UE said the chorale was the first group from the Philippines to win the festival’s Grand Prix.

“During the three-day festival, the UE Chorale competed in three categories: 19 members of the group competed in the Pop Vocal Category, while another set of 19 singers took part in the Vocal Ensemble Category, both held on December 2. All 24 members of the Chorale then participated in the Mixed Category on December 3. The Grand Prix held on December 4, with all 24 members of our Warrior Choral Group performing,” UE said.

The group prevailed in the Pop Vocal category for their performance of “Stand Up for Love” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

They were also recognized for their rendition of “II Bianco e Dolce Cigno” and Round Midnight” in the Vocal Ensemble Category.

Moreover, the UE Chorale was acknowledged for singing the “Anmwe” and “Rosas Pandan” in the Mixed Category while claiming the Grand Prix for performing “Kalejs Kala Debesis.”

The 24-member UE Chorale, which was the lone Filipino choral group in the festival, vied against groups from Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan and Thailand.

They were led by conductor and musical director Darwin Vargas.

The MCE International Choral Festival is considered as one of Malaysia’s largest and most prestigious choral festivals.

The event serves as a platform for singers, choirs, conductors and teachers to work with a distinguished team of international choral clinicians through a series of symposiums, competitions and festival concerts.