The University of Newcastle Chamber Choir has taken out 3 Gold Diplomas at the 6th World Choir Games in Shaoxing. To briefly recap the Choir entered category 5 ‘Open Mixed Choir’, category 12 ‘Contemporary Music, and category 16 ‘Folklore’. As Nigel Goddard, a singer in the Choir explains, each category was scored out of 30 points. There were five judges for each category and the overall mark is an average of each of these marks. The Choir came first in category 5 with 27.43 points (91.43%); first in category 12 with 24.81 points (82.70%); and third in category 16 with 24 points (80.00%). (The winner of category 16 was only about one point in front).
The atmosphere at the Shoaxing Textile Centre (where the opening ceremony was also held) was electric as more than 420 choirs from 80 different nations mingled and celebrated in the spirit of the Choir Games. Many choirs were dressed in their national costumes, many more waved flags, and almost everyone took photos of themselves with people they did not know but who, like them, had come to Shaoxing because of their love of choral singing.
The Choir is extremely proud of their success and they are grateful for the well wishes and support of their supporters back in Australia. The Choir also acknowledged Choir Leader Philip Matthias today for his skill, dedication, and passion that, together with the effort of each Choir member, have made them a world-class choir.
Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring, reportedly said to Philip Matthias prior to the Choirs departure that the Choir were to do 3 things while they were in China:
1. Have a great time
2. Represent the University well
3. WIN!
These goals well and truly achieved the Choir now moves on to the last part of the tour- a CD recording to be done in a recording studio in Shanghai comprising all the tour music from the concerts and the competition. It is also likely they will do a concert at the Shanghai Expo as a result of doing well in the competition however this has yet to be confirmed so watch this space!
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There are the words..Gold, Gold, Gold………but only two pictures of Godl………..have you forgotten to tell us about something……….are we gonna get a suprise when you get back. That is such awesome news. I was talking to our local paper, The Examiner, about another matter when the notice came up on the screen…..i screamed….poor lady thought I was being murdered or something. So many comments coming thru from friends on FB. All very proud of you guys. Looking forward to lots more photos and the televised opening and presentation …….maybe. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi.
Oh..PS. Say hi to my darling Elliott.
Judi
YAY! Congrats to you all!!
Fantastic we are so proud of you all.
Greg,Annette,Bec
Wow!!!! Congratulations!!!! You are truly an amazing choir!!! That is such fabulous news!!!!
I guess I was right….3 gold. You guys are amazing. A well deserved win. So proud oa all of you………party big time when you come home. I emailed Sunrise and the news…….so you may be met by the media. I directed them to tthis page and also to the Con for follow-up. So excited. Say HI to Elliott from me. Have fun doing the recording and visiting the Heart to Heart hospital. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, OI, Oi
Congratulations! Well done. We’re very proud of you all. Of course we all knew you could do it. Mary says you’re a legend, Philip.
Lots of love to all.
Mary and Bill
CONGRATULATIONS again and again and again!!!!!!!!!!
Only just found out you won the folklor section too.
I have received a few messages from people as the news filters thru wanting to congratulate you all.
Guys!! absolutely blown away!! So proud of you, this is an amazing result. Were you confident of a win? I understand you didn’t really see/hear the other choirs much, so I guess it would have been hard to gauge how well you had done. Very sad to have had to miss such an experience, but I made the right decision as it turns out, with new events unfolding as I arrived home. My love to you all, and Gab… put me on the list for Canberra, I’m not missing that too
Enjoy Shanghai, travel safe
Penny xx
P.S.
can we get the correct spelling for Philip’s last name?
Well done and congratulations we are so thrilled for you all. from the seniors choir