The 2011 California International Choral Festival
and Competition will be held on June 24-26, 2011.
Participation information will be posted soon.
The 2009 California International Choral Festival and Competition
The University of Santo Tomas Singers perform after receiving
the People’s Choice Award on Sunday evening.
One hundred seventy energetic and accomplished singers
came to San Luis Obispo to compete for the coveted prizes that this competition awards. They brought with them a remarkable diversity, not only in their home of origin, but also in their style, language, musical dynamics and interpretation.
Macedonia, Republic of Congo, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, and the United States were represented. They sang songs that reflected their homeland, their history and their beliefs. These included
a tribal chant of the Itneg people, a song about a people
in captivity, the story of the sale of an island
for a golden headdress, a gypsy love song, a French madrigal featuring the calls of birds, and a text from the Bible
spoken in eight different languages.
Audiences packed the house, sitting quietly so the judges could hear every nuance, then, standing and cheering in appreciation
of the exceptional musical skills and showmanship they had witnessed, and marveling that the world comes to San Luis Obispo — not only to compete, but — TO SING.
Mark your calendar for the last weekend in June, 2011.
We will do it again!
The Prime Note Ensemble during the Choir’s Choice competition
Competition results:
Required Pieces Competition
First Place: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Second Place: Cuesta College Chamber Singers, U.S.A.
Third Place: Fullerton College Concert Choir, U.S.A.
Folk Competition
First Place: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Second Place: Cuesta College Chamber Singers, U.S.A.
Third Place: St. Zlata Meglenska, Macedonia
Choir’s Choice Competition
First Place: St. Zlata Meglenska, Macedonia
Second Place:
Cuesta College Chamber Singers, U.S.A.
Third Place:
Fullerton College Concert Choir, U.S.A.
People’s Choice
University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Judges’ Special Award
Sikama Choir, Republic of Congo
Photos by Brian P. Lawler
Updated on Monday, January 4, 2010