Hermosa chorale wins title in Vietnam

ZAMBOANGA's very own, "Zamboanga Hermosa Chorale" under choirmaster Virginia Angelita Constantinopla, was adjudged grand winner in the 1st Vietnam International Choir Festival and Competition 2011 held in Hoi An, Quang Nam Province of Vietnam from March 16-20.

Constantinopla said the Zamboanga group received a Golden Diploma and trophy for its magnificent performance in the Category B1-Mized Choirs-Difficulty level-II.

The chorale group garnered a total of 20.95 points, based on the Musica Mundi grading system -- a 30-point system being used in the Olympic Games scoring protocol, Constantinopla said.

She said the choir's splendid performance qualifies the Zamboanga group to join in the next succeeding World Choir Games -- the Champions Competition and World Choir Championships.

She said the 1st Vietnam International Choir Festival and Competition 2011 formed part of the celebration of the Moon Festival in Hoi An City.

Thirty-three choirs representing different nations from all over the world, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Estonia and Singapore, participated in the festival.

The Zamboanga Hermosa Chorale also presented an all chabacano performance last Friday to the delight of the foreigners and locals present during the fantastic celebration of the Moon Festival in the ancient city of Hoi An.

The Hermosa Chorale, one of the Zamboanga Achievers in 2010, is composed of the following members: Sopranos -- Carmela May Marcial, Trina Marie Ledesma, Jessel Ebrahim and Rosemarie Lim; Altos -- Marjorie Reyes, Sarah Jane Baul, Janice Canada and Jenny June Bondoc; Tenors -- Gregorio Lim, Richard Minoza, Dionand Alvarez, Anson Atilano and Jovic Guevara; and Bass -- Jeffry Julian, Bryan Ber Bondoc, Rovic Lamberte, Brian Alfie Constantinopla and Chester Bryan Barretto. (Bong Garcia)