LEGAZPI CITY –– A chorale group from Albay won two major awards in this year’s International Habaneras and Polyphony Choir Competition in Spain.
Celger Venzon, the conductor of Ligao National High School Voice Chorale of Ligao City, said they bagged the first prize in two categories, the Habaneras and Polyphony.
“It was really hard because some of them already won in many competitions here in Europe and it was our first time,” he said.
The 65th Certamen Internacional De Habaneras Y Polifonia Torrevieja was held in Torrevieja, Spain from July 22 to 28.
The group (with 25 students) bested other teams from Ukraine, China, Bielorussia, South Korea, California, Colombia, France, and Spain.
The choir got the top prize for its rendition of “Rosita De un Verde Palmar” arranged by Manuel Guirao; “A Tu Lado” by Javier Busto and Matias Anton Mena and “Donde Estan Las Gaviotas” by Ricardo Lafuente Aguado for Habaneras.
For Polyphony category, they performed “Laudate Dominum” by Giedrius Svilainis and “Banwar Iti Cordillera” by Normita Pablico.
Venzon said it took them more than two months to practice the contest pieces, especially that most of the songs were Spanish.
“It’s in our advantage because some of our words (in Bicol) are Spanish and Filipinos pronounce words clearly. We also sing through our hearts,” he added.
The team received cash and trophy for the major awards.