Hngyang Na Atayal, or the Atayal teachers’ choir, topped the chamber choirs/vocal ensembles category in the open competition with a medley of “Ave Maria,” “Bun Wagi” and “Chuan-Ge.”
The group’s second gold was in the folklore category, awarded for a three-song set including “Sing Joyfully about World,” a local choral classic celebrating the music of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes.
“This has been truly a magical ride,” said Umau, choir leader and principal of Neiwan Elementary School. “We took Taiwan’s aboriginal music to the world and won recognition for its unique beauty and artistry.”
Advancing to the Grand Prix of Nations—a top-class competition for best amateur choirs worldwide—with a spectacular performance in the open competition, HNA collected silver in the folklore category for its rendition of Holo folk standard “Skies Are Dark.”
Formed by local indigenous education initiative Unique Atayal College, HNA previously won silver on debut at Johannes Brahms Choir Festival and Competition in 2013. The Atayal Children’s Choir of Hsinchu Jianshi and Jingping Elementary School, another UAC affiliate, also clinched a silver award at Vietnam International Choir Competition in May.
ECG is the European version of the World Choir Games. Organized by global choral music leader Interkultur, the event premiered in 2013 and attracted 120 choirs from 32 countries and territories at its second edition this year. (YHC-JSM)
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