UST Singers Win in Norwegian Choral Festival

Ambassador Enrico T. Fos (center, in gray suit), Madame Myla Antonette Fos and members of the Filipino community in Bergen join the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Singers in this photo following their Grand Prix Prize victory at the Grieg International Choir Festival.

OSLO 30 September 2024 – Filipino vocal talent is once again triumphant as the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Singers clinched the Grand Prix Winner prize at the Grieg International Choir Festival in Bergen on 26-29 September 29 in Bergen, Norway.

They bested 31 choirs from 10 countries for the top prize, as they also won two other awards: First Prize for the Mixed Choir category over nine other choirs, and Second Prize for the Folk Music category against seven participating choirs.

Each of the choir’s performances during the competition were met with raucous applause and standing ovations, as the audience composed of Norwegian and international music enthusiasts marveled at the UST Singers’ mastery of the songs as well as their entertaining choreography in some of the numbers. 

The finals was held on 28 September 2024 in Grieghallen, one of the biggest events centers in Bergen's city center. Ambassador Enrico T. Fos was with the Filipino community in Bergen to cheer for the choir. 

They will also be performing in a special Friendship Concert with the other winners of the other competition categories on the last day of the Festival.

The UST Singers is composed of the university's students and alumni of the UST, under the baton of their conductor, Professor Fidel G. Calalang, Jr. 

“The Embassy congratulates the UST Singers for their victory, and we also thank them for the pride they brought to the Philippines in this international competition. We also wish to extend its gratitude to the Filipino community in Bergen, particularly the Our Lady of Fatima Council, for the all-out support they provided to the visiting choir, Ambassador Fos said.

In its 10th year, the Grieg International Choir Festival brings together various choirs from all ages around Norway and around the world in a celebration of the art of singing in choir competitions and concerts. END

The UST Singers, under the baton of its conductor, Prof. Felipe G. Calalang Jr., shows off their winning form during the competition.

(front row, from left) Professor Calalang, Ambassador Fos, and Madame Fos join the UST Singers in this photo at the sidelines of the Festival.

For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/  or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/.