Cebu Chamber Singers Win Gold In Int'l Competition

Cebuano talents made another name for Cebu in the Busan International Choral Competition held on November 12-15, 2008 in Busan, Korea.

The Cebu Chamber Singers earned a gold for placing first in the Mixed Voice category and won a bronze medal in the Folklore category.

The Cebu Chamber Singers (CCS) is a dynamic local group composed of music enthusiasts from different parish, school and community choirs.

CCS was founded on July 10, 2006 by Mr. Dennis Gregory A. Sugarol, a multi-awarded musician who has extensively performed and conducted choral groups here and abroad. Its co-founder, Mr. Rey Roa, a US-based musician is also known for the choral groups he trained and conducted while in Cebu.

Immediately after its organization, the choir underwent workshops to hone their basic skills in vocalization, breathing techniques, phrasing, and music dynamics, among other things. The initial activities were so encouraging that, energized by the workshops, the group eagerly scheduled regular rehearsals twice a week.

The 30-member group of professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, and others) and students sings regularly at the Pedro Calungsod Shrine, Cebu City. It is committed to promoting religious, folk, and popular music to the community.

Its very first major achievement beyond the local scene was winning two gold diplomas in the First Asian Choir Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia on November 10, 2007. Besting all other gold awardees, the Cebu Chamber Singers was proclaimed the “Winner of the Asian Open,” for the Gospel & Spiritual, and the Mixed Chamber Choir categories. The Asian Choir Games was organized by Interkultur Foundation.

Today, the Cebu Chamber Singers continues to amaze and please its audience with a wide range of repertoire. Under Maestro Dennis Gregory Sugarol, it continues to evolve as it explores new avenues in choral music.