By PR | 08:52 AM October 04, 2024
The first ever Sing ‘n’ Joy Bohol 2024 Philippine International Choir Competition officially opened on October 2 at the Bohol Cultural Center.
In her opening remarks, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap said the event is not only the beginning of a thrilling musical event but also a celebration of friendship and cultural exchange.
She expressed gratitude to Interkultur and the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) for their collaboration and strong partnership in the event, which highlights music as a universal language, transcending borders and uniting everyone.
Meanwhile, Johan Rooze, Interkultur Senior Artistic Director, said that music is needed in this world of many troubles.
“Singing together brings nations together,” he stated of Sing ‘n’ Joy Bohol as an example.
Fifteen choirs and 5 countries will compete in categories such as Youth Choirs, Senior Choirs, Children’s Choirs, Religious Music, Folklore, Choirs of Mixed Voices, and Choirs of Equal Voices.
These include Barana Choir and LSPR Choir from Indonesia; Dames of Harmonia, UITM Chamber Choir and UITM Women’s Choir from Malaysia; Korea Breast Cancer Survivor’s Choir and Seongbuk District Women’s Choir from Republic of Korea; and Diversity Choir from Vietnam.
The Philippines’ competing choirs comprise the Bacoor Hope Children’s Chorus, Fillira, Huni Mandawe, M6 Teens, The Himig Singers, and Bohol’s own Holy Name University Chorale and Koro Seraphim.
Aside from competitions, friendship concerts, workshops and educational activities will be held throughout the 4-day choral event.
Gracing the opening program sponsored by the City Government of Tagbilaran were jury members Jonathan Velasco of the Philippines, Jinsoo Kim of the Republic of Korea, and Yu-Chung Johnny Ku of Chinese Taipei.
Also present were Joshibiah de Juan, local artistic director, Atty. Lucas Nunag, Provincial Tourism Council co-chair, and Argeo Melisimo, Bohol Culture and Arts Heritage Council chairperson.
The event is also made possible with the support of the Isang Dugo Foundation, the Center for Culture and Arts Development of the PGBh, Island City Mall, Holy Name University, Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, and Bohol Weddings and Events.
The provincial government, under the leadership of Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, strongly worked with Interkultur, founded by Günter Titsch in 1988 and the world’s leading organizer of international choir competitions and festivals, as well as the city government, in the staging of the event series that is known throughout the world for its high artistic and organizational standards.
This aligns with the strategic governance framework on the preservation of culture and the arts and sustainable tourism, consistent with the province’s designation as the country’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/LMS)
