Philippine Vocal Groups Excel at Moscow Seasons Acapella Festival
Los Cantantes de Manila following one of their performances on Moscow’s Revolution Square, with the personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Moscow
MOSCOW 09 September 2024 – The Philippines has once again showcased its world-class musical talent on the global stage as three Filipino vocal groups achieved remarkable success at the prestigious Moscow Seasons A Cappella Festival. Competing against over 150 international groups, these talented ensembles brought pride and honor to the country by securing top awards in various categories.
Los Cantantes de Manila (LCDM) - First Prize, Large Group Category. In their debut appearance at the festival, Los Cantantes de Manila (LCDM) captivated both the audience and the judges, securing the first prize in the Large Group Category. Their outstanding performance earned them a reward of 2 million rubles, underscoring their exceptional artistry and dedication.
Pinopela - First Prize, Medium Group Category. Pinopela continued their winning streak by clinching the first prize in the Medium Group Category, earning another 2 million rubles. This victory follows their previous success in the 2019 edition of the contest, where they won third prize in the same category. Pinopela’s harmonies and dynamic stage presence were a highlight of the festival, solidifying their reputation as one of the Philippines' premier vocal groups.
Acapellago - Audience Award. Despite facing unexpected challenges due to a missed Qatar Airways connection in Doha, Acapellago made a significant impact on the festival audience. Although they were unable to perform during the required three festival days before the close of online voting, their talent and charisma resonated with the crowd, earning them the Audience Award. Acapellago, previously won the top prize in the Medium Group Category in 2019, when the contest was last held prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2024 edition of the Moscow Seasons A Cappella Festival featured performances across four categories: Solo/Duo (1 to 3 people, involving live looping technology), Small Group (2 to 4 members), Medium Group (5 to 8 members), and Large Group (9 to 35 people). Before the final judging on August 31, 2024, at the Zaryadye Amphitheater, the groups showcased their talents in various impromptu festival stages across Moscow’s high streets. The winners were determined by a combination of jury decisions and online voting.
The Filipino vocal groups were warmly received by the Muscovite audience, which included members of the Filipino community who expressed great admiration for their performances. The enthusiasm and support from the local community were evident throughout the festival, with standing ovations and cheers echoing in the venues where they performed.
In recognition of their achievements, Pinopela and LCDM visited the Philippine Embassy in Moscow, where they were welcomed with a breakfast reception hosted by the Embassy. The groups treated the Embassy staff to impromptu performances.
These victories highlight the exceptional musical talent of the Philippines and serve as a source of pride and inspiration for Filipinos worldwide.
The Department of Foreign Affairs proudly celebrates this achievement and invites everyone to join in recognizing the incredible accomplishments of Los Cantantes de Manila, Pinopela, and Acapellago. END
Members of Pinopela’s performance and support crew, with Philippine Ambassador Igor G. Bailen
Promotional poster of Acapallego
For more information, visit https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/, https://twitter.com/phlinrussia or https://www.instagram.com/phlinrussia/.