Adventist Chorale From the Philippines Crowned 2026 “Choir of the World”

The Advent Euphonic Chorale brought pride to the Philippines after winning the prestigious Choir of the World title at the 2026 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on July 12.

The Seventh-day Adventist choir completed a remarkable sweep of three major honors in a single day. It placed first in the Mixed Choir Competition with 95 points, won the Open Choirs Competition with 96 points, and then returned to the stage for the grand finale, where it captured the Choir of the World title and the coveted Pavarotti Trophy.

The official competition results confirmed the chorale’s victories in all three categories.

Festival organizers called the accomplishment an “extraordinary treble” and ranked it among the finest achievements in the event’s history. Bringing together the winners of the festival’s principal choral competitions, the Choir of the World finale is considered one of international chorale music’s highest honors.

The chorale’s competition repertoire showcased both the depth of contemporary Filipino choral music and the ensemble’s command of sacred works. Its selections included “Ama Namin,” by John August Pamintuan, featuring a standout soprano solo by Moreen Joy Rodelas; “Tiptipa Kemmakem,” by Nilo Alcala; and “Jubilate Deo,” by Swiss composer Ivo Antognini.

“Tiptipa Kemmakem” offered international audiences a vibrant glimpse of Philippine culture. The work’s text is adapted from a spoken children’s chant from Bontoc in Mountain Province, northern Philippines. Its playful rhythmic gestures evoke a traditional activity in which children clap on the words “tiptipa” and close and open their fingers while chanting “kemmakem.”

Through this culturally rooted piece, the chorale carried not only the sound of the Philippines to Wales but also the country’s Indigenous traditions and communal spirit.

The ensemble is composed of students and young professionals, most of whom come from the Adventist University of the Philippines. Already recognized internationally for its choral excellence, the group added the celebrated Pavarotti Trophy to its growing list of achievements.

Artistic director Dave Danford praised the choir’s “outstanding precision, musicality and expression.” He said winning the Mixed Choir, Open Choirs, and Choir of the World titles within a few hours was an accomplishment that would long be remembered in Llangollen.

Festival chair John Gambles likewise congratulated the ensemble, saying its success reflected the exceptional musicianship, artistry, and dedication of every member. Danford and Gambles presented the Pavarotti Trophy to the chorale before an enthusiastic audience. The festival’s official announcement described the victory as an exceptionally rare achievement.

Held annually in Wales, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod welcomes outstanding amateur choirs, musicians, and dancers from around the world in a celebration of artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and international friendship.

For the Advent Euphonic Chorale the 2026 victory was more than a collection of trophies. It was a celebration of faith, discipline, and Filipino artistry—proof that music shaped in the Philippines can resonate powerfully on one of the world’s most respected choral stages.

With their voices joined in harmony, the choristers brought immense pride and honor to their country and showed the world once again the exceptional talent of Filipino artists.

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.