CHOIRS from the Philippines dominate the Polyphony category of this year’s International Habaneras and Polyphony Choir Competition organized by the Patronato Municipal de Habaneras Torrevieja of Spain

The University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Chorale and Imusicapella won the 1st and 2nd prizes of the Polyphony category.

The competition was held at Eras de la Sal in Torrevieja July 16-25.

The UP Manila Chorale successfully got the top prize for its rendition of “De Profundis” by John August Pamintuan and the traditional Filipino song “Dayo, Dayo Kupita.”

Official press announcement says the Philippine choir “performed brilliantly the two extremely complex songs.”

Imusicapella reportedly delivered a “moving interpretation” of its polyphony piece.

Beijing Agricultural University Youth Choir won 3rd Prize.

Alterum Cor Choir from Valladolid, Spain, received the Juan Aparicio Habaneras Prize, the award for the main Habaneras category. They performed “La Llamada” by Armando Bernabeu Lorenzo and “Voy en Busca del Olvido” by Sabino Micon and José Rivera. The choir was directed by Valentín Benavides García.

Alterum Cor also won the Francisco Vallejos Prize, an award given to the group that performed the best interpretation of a traditional habanera.

Grupo Vocal Kromátika from Guadalajara, Spain, and Sopot Chamber Choir Continuo from Poland won 2nd and 3rd prizes for Habaneras, respectively.

The Hódar Talavera award, a merit given to the Best Choir Director, was given to Julia Foruria of Gaudeamus Korala.

The best Polyphonic “Region of Origin” performance was handed out to Iuventus Fundación Sirenáica of Colombia.

The Audience Prize, a popularity award, was given to Grupo Vocal Kromátika.

International Habaneras and Polyphony Choir Competition is now on its 61st year.