The University of Santo Tomas Singers was named the Choir of the World Champion on July 9, 2019 by Llangollen.tv of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales, United Kingdom.
Established in 1987, the annual Choir of the World competition has become one of the most respected accolades in the choral calendar with the winners receiving the prestigious Luciano Pavarotti trophy. Having been the only choir to win the coveted title twice, first in 1995 and second in 2010, the UST Singers has now bested 31 previous Choir of the World winners in the online voting campaign.
Among the competitors were: the New Zealand National Youth Choir, Akustika Chamber Singers from South Africa, Adelaide Chamber Choir from Australia, Estudio Coral Meridies from Argentina, the National University of Singapore Choir.
The online contest was held by Llangollen.tv, a subsidiary of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, to inaugurate the launch of their new on-demand streaming website for all the competitions and performances in the aforementioned global music festival. Aside from the renowned choral competition, other categories such as solo vocal performance and traditional dances are also included.
A statement on the UST Singers’ official Facebook page said, “We offer this victory to each and everyone of you who voted for and supported us! You made this achievement possible! Viva Santo Tomas! Mabuhay ang Korong Pilipino!”
The UST Singers is the premiere mixed choral ensemble of the University of Santo Tomas. It was founded in 1992 by Prof. Fidel Calalang, Jr., and is composed of students and alumni from the different faculties, colleges, and institutes of the University. In August 2018, the UST Singers became the first Filipino choir to perform at the historic Basilica de Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. The choir has represented the Philippines in 23 international choral competitions, garnering a total of 82 top prizes.
