The members of UNEP Chorale
The University of Northeastern Philippines, in coordination with the UNEP Chorale will soon stage another remarkable event as it opens its doors to interested choral groups in the Bicol Region comes December. The activity is in line with the launching of the 2nd Christmas Choral Competition featuring Bicolano music enthusiasts in yet another showcase of talent and music prowess.
UNEP Chorale Conductor Cris Caryl Baesa Yu sees something beyond the competition. “It is not a mere measure of who’s going to be named as the top performer but most importantly, it is geared towards the promotion of healthy and friendly competition among our choral groups. It is also a way to uplift the standard of choral music in our region.”
The competition is open to all amateur choirs in the Bicol Region who will be competing in an open category. Competition piece should only be sung once by a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 25 choir members. Each competing contender should perform two (2) songs, one is of their free choice where accompaniment and choreography is allowed and the other one is a Christmas piece where there is no choreography and should be performed a capella. The contestants are also advised to study the musical piece “Diwa ng Pasko” for the grand choir presentation.
Interested participant’s applications and competition pieces should be approved first by the organizing committee. The organizer strictly discourages use of any kind of playback or soundtrack which will hamper the natural rendition of their contest piece. All presentations should have live accompaniment during their actual performance. The musical rendition should be within the 12-minute timeframe, including the entrance and exit of the contestant.
Aside from the hefty thirty thousand pesos that awaits the winner, the mere recognition of being adjudged as the best choral group is indeed the greatest prize. The 2nd and 3rd placer will also get Php15,000.00 and Php10,000.00 respectively. Each will also be given certificate of recognition. Non-winners will also receive a consolation prize of one thousand pesos and a certificate of participation.
Contenders will be adjudged on the sound quality of their rendition, comprising 40% of the criteria; another 40% for their artistry; 10 % for the level of difficulty of the piece and another 10% which will capture the over-all performance of the group, including the costume and the execution of the choreography.
Competition date will be on December 13, 2008 at the UNEP Gym. Interested choir groups should submit a fully accomplished application form, on or before December 5. They should also submit three (3) pieces of their musical sheets, short biography of the choir and the conductor/ or artistic director, one group picture size (5R) and a registration fee of Php500.00.
All entries should be forwarded to the Organizing Committee, the UNEP Chorale at the University of Northeastern Philippines. They can be reached through telephone/telefax number (054) 456-0293, or CP number 09213306314. You can also email them at Unep_chorale@yahoo.com
The choral competition is also UNEP’s way of sharing its blessings for the numerous successful feat that the UNEP chorale had reaped in the past. UNEP Chorale recently made it to the 2008 Hongkong International Youth and Children’s Festival Competition held at the former Crown’s colony’s Cultural Center in Hongkong last July. They took home a silver medal for the mixed youth category and a gold medal in folklore category
This is in addition to the highest Silver Diploma Award that the UNEP Chorale got during the 4th World Choir Games held in Xiamen, China in 2006, not to mention other awards attached to its name as one the best chorale group in the country.
Atty. Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda, UNEP President said that the management is in full support of this endeavor. “Music as an expression of love for Christ and for the humanity is the real essence of this competition. This is the best way of welcoming the Yuletide Season.” (UNEP)
