The Philippine Meistersingers, an ensemble composed of students, alumni, and faculty from the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP), made history on November 16, 2025, as the first Filipino choir to win the prestigious Rimini International Choral Competition in Italy.
Their victory marks a defining moment in Philippine choral music. Recognized globally as one of the premier stages for choral excellence, the Rimini competition brought together outstanding ensembles from around the world.
The Philippine Meistersingers rose above the field as they earned Golden Diplomas and Category Winner status in two categories—96.08 points in Category A and 96.58 points in Category B—before advancing to the final round. Under the direction of Ramon Molina Lijauco Jr., they were declared Grand Prix Winner, marking the Philippines’ first triumph in the competition’s history.
Their exceptional performance also secured their place as Rimini’s official representative to the 2026 World Choral Championship (WCC). A certificate issued today confirms that the choir will stand among the world’s finest ensembles at the International Krakow Choir Festival Cracovia Cantans on June 14, 2026, in Krakow, Poland.
A Victory Offered to God
The choir’s journey to the Grand Prix stage was shaped by a repertoire that blended sacred choral literature with Filipino artistic expression. They opened their performance with "Alleluia" by Ivo Antognini, a soaring and contemplative piece that immediately revealed their tonal purity and disciplined blend.
They followed with "O Vos Omnes" by Lorenzo Donati, whose reflective and emotionally rich musical lines allowed the ensemble to display their interpretive maturity and spiritual depth. The program concluded with "Arimaonga" by Filipino composer Nilo Alcala, a vibrant and rhythmically dynamic work that showcased the richness of Philippine musical heritage through powerful storytelling and energetic choral textures.
Together, these pieces enabled the Meistersingers to deliver a compelling musical narrative grounded in technical excellence and heartfelt devotion.
For the ensemble dedicated the accomplishment to God, recognizing Him as the source of their strength, artistry, and unity. Each rehearsal and performance became an expression of gratitude and an offering of praise, they said.
The team's journey continues toward the World Choral Championship in 2026, where they will once again lift their voices to inspire, to witness, and to glorify God, they concluded.
The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.
