Today was totally a schedule given to us by the festival. We were slated to officially begin the day with an 11 am Mass at the Church of Christ Our Light in Ballincollig, just a 10 minute walk from our hotel. They graciously allowed us to rehearse there twice before the festival competition, so this was a little thanks from us.
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Between Drs. Crane and Wells and choir members, they came up with a list of pieces that would work in this setting. The first was "Were You There," arr. Patrick Dupré Quigley. Then a quickly pulled-together "I Feel My Savior's Love," by Janice Kapp Perry; "Peace" by Paul Mealor, conducted by Stevie Dugdale; and the ""Agnus Dei" from the Fauré Requiem that was performed at BYU last February. With Dr. Wells conducting again, Dr. Crane at the piano, and music either on digital devices or some printed copies, they sang it beautifully.
There wasn't much time to meet and greet the congregation, but the choir tried. They exited through a lovely reception with drinks and treats, headed to the local grocery store to pick up a quick lunch, and readied themselves for the three mini-concerts this afternoon that the festival thought we should sing in Cobh. No one knew what would be sung until we arrived and could scope out the situation. It pays to be flexible on these tours!
There were small but enthusiastic audiences at all three spots, though some people weren't quite sure who we were or why we were there. Inside locations were much dryer than outside.
We then headed back to the Cork City Hall, where the awards ceremony was due to take place at 5 pm. There were five special awards given to different choirs that can be read about at https://www.corkchoral.ie/international-participation/fleischmann-international-trophy-competition/ .
Then they finally got down to the three awards we were waiting for—first, second, and third place. Third place was given to a very fine choir from Puerto Rico: Coralia. Second place went to Mt. San Antonio College Chamber Singers from California. And first place went to BYU Singers!! This was an award that was very much deserved. The choir and Dr. Crane did everything possible to be ready for this competition, and it showed in their professional-level performances. One judge spoke about how they expected good tone, good intonation, good diction—but beyond those basic requirements they were looking for "musical intelligence," and repertoire that required that musical intelligence. BYU Singers exhibited that, and received the Fleischmann International Trophy. Of course, Dr. Crane only was able to hold the large trophy for 30 minutes or so before returning it. The choir's name and 2024 will be engraved on the trophy to commemorate the win. But we have photos to prove it!
After the room calmed down a bit, the choir went up on stage to perform "Caedmon’s Hymn" by Blake Wilson. There was thunderous applause and a standing ovation. We heard from many how pleased they were that BYU Singers took first.
There was a break for dinner, then we returned for the final Gala Concert. BYU Singers were next to the end, and performed the Ligeti and the Herrera pieces from their competition set. They were stunning, and were met with another standing ovation. This was the final performance of this edition of BYU Singers, though that is just beginning to feel real after such a triumph. It is never easy to say goodbye after a year of working hard and singing together and learning to love repertoire and each other—and this year many who have been in the choir for several years are moving on to a new phase of life away from BYU. The BYU Singers experience will always remain a highlight of their university and musical lives, and the strong friendships will remain across the years and miles. This truly has been a very remarkable choir and a memorable year.
