The GenSan Youth Choir from General Santos City, Philippines, achieved a remarkable victory at the 13th Bali International Choral Festival, winning three gold medals and a trophy. Competing against 60 choirs worldwide, this community choir excelled in the Folklore and Jazz & Pop categories, showcasing its diverse talents and determination.
The Bali International Choral Festival, held from July 23 to 27, 2024, at the Bali Budaya Giri Nata Mandali in Bali, Indonesia, is a prestigious event that draws some of the best choral groups globally. This year, 60 choirs participated, competing across 13 categories. The GenSan Youth Choir, a community ensemble composed of members aged 14 to 36 from various walks of life, entered the Folklore and Jazz & Pop categories. Their journey to this success was marked by perseverance and faith.
The choir’s performance in the Folklore category was particularly noteworthy. Competing against 13 other choirs, they secured the highest score, earning a Level 6 gold medal and a trophy. This victory propelled them to the championship round, where they captured another gold medal. Their success in this category demonstrated their exceptional talent and dedication to preserving and showcasing their cultural heritage through music.
In the Jazz & Pop category, the GenSan Youth Choir delivered an impressive performance, earning a Level 2 gold medal. This achievement highlighted their versatility and ability to excel in different musical genres, leaving the audience admiring their musical range.
The journey to Bali was challenging. The choir faced significant financial obstacles, needing to raise funds for plane tickets and accommodations. Most members come from financially challenged backgrounds, making this feat a testament to their determination and community support.
Just as they were about to embark on their journey, the group faced another hurdle. Microsoft’s worldwide IT outage canceled their flight. After 11 months of rigorous preparation, this unexpected setback was a significant blow. However, with faith and perseverance, the choir’s flight was rebooked on the same day, allowing them to reach Bali in time for the competition.
Once at the airport, the challenges continued. The choir had to race through the immigration area, running from gate 104 to 113 while their flight called for final boarding. Despite these obstacles, the choir’s resilience and commitment shone through, inspiring the audience with their determination as they boarded their flight and reached their destination.
Conductor Fernan Globen Talonding expressed overwhelming pride in the choir’s achievements, saying, “Our journey to Bali was filled with challenges, but our faith and dedication kept us going. Winning these awards is a testament to each choir member’s hard work and our community’s incredible support. We are honored to have represented General Santos City and the Philippines on such a prestigious platform.” The audience can feel the emotional impact of the choir’s achievements through the conductor’s words.
The group’s recent win in Bali was their third significant victory in international competitions. In 2019, the GenSan Youth Choir won two gold medals in Macau and was a Grand Prix finalist. They also secured 3rd place in the Himig Handog International Choral Grand Prix in Tagum, competing against 21 choirs. These accolades reflect their consistency and dedication to excellence in choral music.
The GenSan Youth Choir’s success at the Bali International Choral Festival is a source of pride for their community and country. Their journey exemplifies resilience and unity, inspiring future generations of musicians. As they return home, they carry with them not just medals and trophies but a story of determination, faith, and triumph against the odds.