From Singapore to Europe: Voices of Singapore Ladies Choir Takes Top Award in Bratislava Competition
The Voices of Singapore Ladies Choir with their awards in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Singapore, December 11, 2023 – The Voices of Singapore Ladies Choir (VSL), Singapore’s first independent all-female choral ensemble, has won the Grand Prix (Overall Best Choir) at the 16th International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music in Bratislava, Slovakia on 9 December 2023.
The choir competed in two categories: Musica Sacra a cappella and Female Adult Choirs. They received Gold Bands for both categories, with 95 and 98 points respectively, and was also announced as category winner of Female Adult Choirs at the competition.
This year’s International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music saw 600 participating singers from eight countries. VSL was the only choir from Asia, and presented a mixed repertoire of choral classics such as Cesar Carrillo's 'Ave Maria', Lorenz Maierhofer’s 'Musica Aeterna’ and Randall Stroope’s ‘Revelation’, alongside Singaporean folk tunes, including Dr. Darius Lim’s arrangement of Dayung Sampan.
“Our journey from Singapore to London and then to Bratislava was one of musical growth and hard-earned accomplishment,” said Ms Tay Hwee Ling, president of VSL. “Through the intensive preparations and rehearsals, we forged a bond as a choir, and when we finally stepped onto the stage in Bratislava, we gave our absolute best. We are proud of our achievements, and we will cherish this experience for a lifetime.”
The choir’s visit to Slovakia follows a concert performance at the VOCES8 Centre in London as part of their European tour.
VSL Artistic Director Dr. Darius Lim said, “This is indeed a moment of pride for Voices of Singapore and Singapore, as this is the first time a Singaporean choir has won the Grand Prix at the International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music.”
Established in 2014 by Artistic Director Dr. Darius Lim, the choir, initially known as VOCO Singapore Ladies Choir, was officially renamed as the Voices of Singapore Ladies Choir (VSL) since its integration into the Voices of Singapore (VOS) Choral Society in 2019. VSL is an ensemble of passionate amateurs consisting of educators, musicians and experienced choristers.
VSL's mission goes beyond borders, aiming to empower women in Singapore and present a diverse range of choral music to a global audience.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
Roe Curie
Marketing Manager
Voices of Singapore
Email: curie@voicesofsingapore.com
Phone: +65 96656627
About Voices of Singapore:
Voices of Singapore (VOS) is Singapore's largest singing organisation, transforming lives through the power of music and choral singing. With over 20 singing groups of different styles and genres, VOS is Singapore's largest singing organisation with 1,000 singers participating in live and virtual projects and festivals.
As an arts charity, VOS combines artistic excellence with community impact. The VOS State Choirs pursue the highest levels of choral singing, while community outreach choirs extend their impact to special needs individuals, the elderly, and children at risk. Choral music fosters empowerment, connection, and a sense of belonging within a vibrant singing community.
VOS's programs encompass a wide range of styles and genres, ensuring a diverse musical experience for all participants. Through their initiatives to inspire a Singing Singapore, VOS deepens appreciation for the arts while making a positive difference in Singapore's cultural landscape.
About Voices of Singapore Ladies Choir:
Formally founded in 2014 as VOCO Singapore Ladies Choir by Artistic Director Darius Lim, the choir is the first independent all-female choral ensemble in Singapore. Consisting of semi-professional singers, musicians, educators and passionate amateurs, the choir joined VOS Choral Society at its inception in 2019 and was since renamed VOS Ladies Choir (VSL). Their primary goal is to empower women in Singapore, with a mission to present a diverse range of choral music to a worldwide audience.
In June 2016, the choir embarked on their inaugural international European tour, performing in Amsterdam, Krakow, London, Great Rissington, and Cardiff. During the tour, the choir was awarded the 2nd Prize in the Chamber Choir category of the 2016 Cracovia Cantans International Choir Competition in Krakow, Poland. In 2021, the choir received the Gold award at the 2021 World Choir Festival. More recently, VSL won the Grand Prix (overall best choir) at the 16th International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music in Bratislava, Slovakia. The choir competed in two categories, receiving Gold Bands for both, and was also the category winner for Female Adult Choirs.
