The UP ARCO, the Philippines’ first-ever representative to the 7th Bratislava International Youth Music Festival, scored a feat when it topped the festival’s competition category in “String Orchestras up to 35 Years.”
It was awarded the Silver Band after garnering 24 points, only one point shy away from the much coveted Gold Band.
Eight choirs and four orchestras from ten countries – Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, the Philippines, Singapore, Slovenia, Thailand and the United States of America – competed in the festival.
The distinguished panel of jury was headed by Prof. Scott Ferguson of the USA with Prof. John Damsma of The Netherlands, Dr. Ronald Smart, P.S.M. of Australia, Dr. Leonardo Sagliocca of Italy and Prof. Nemanja Savić of Bosnia and Herzegovina as members.
With the win, the UP ARCO has received several invitations to similar forthcoming international youth music festivals in Europe, like the Belgium Music Festival in 2017 which is reserved to prize-winning performing groups.
Earlier in July, the team was in Budapest where it impressed the audience with its rendition of Filipino classics.
Members of the UP ARCO are all smiles after its victory at the international music festival
