This morning started with a 9:30 church service with the Latter-day Saint branch here. Though very small, they have a great spirit about them. We totally filled their small chapel with both bodies and song. It is always a soul-filling experience to gather with members of our church around the world. We learned a bit about Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians, and also celebrated Mothers’ Day.
Back at the hotel, some people ate a late breakfast, others started packing, and yet more took off for one more afternoon in this beautiful city. As we drove back from church, we learned that BYU Singers placed in the top 3 choirs at last night’s competition, so we will be going back tonight in concert dress for another performance before they announce the results.
Everyone went their own way after church, but food was involved at some point. We loaded up the bus one more time at 6 pm and headed back to the Aristotle University. We should all should be a bit wiser after the hours spent there the last two days.
At 7 the program began with the Choir of the M.G. Association of Railway Workers. This choir was founded in 1931, and sang an interesting mix of literature. Their conductor played an ancient lyre for their first piece—an instrument I’d never seen before. They had a wonderful boy soprano who gave us a wide grin when the audience started clapping in rhythm to his solo.
Next was the Choir of the Municipal Conservatory of Rhodes, a much newer choir. It was founded in 2020, and also sang an enjoyable program.
Local celebrity soloists, a tenor, soprano, and bass (who was also one of the judges of the choral competition) performed 6 solos and duets, and were a favorite of the audience.
Next we heard two pieces from each of the three choirs who had the most points according to the 6 judges. The Kosovo Siparantum choir two of the pieces from last night, as did the Youth Mixed Choir of the State Music School of Warsaw. Both choirs sang very well, and deserved to be in the top three. The other choirs were wildly enthusiastic all through the choir performances. It was a rewarding part of the evening to feel that support for every choir.
Once we arrived in the hall, Dr. Crane finally learned that there was no requirement that the two pieces performed had to be from last night’s repertoire; so he grabbed the chance to sing two new pieces that were very much audience favorites: “He Is” by Carlos Simon and “Take on Me” arranged by Ryan Murphy. The choir’s energy, joy in singing, superb singing, and a bit of choreography was absolutely captivating. OK, yes—I might be a tiny bit prejudiced. But you would agree with everything I’ve said had you been here.
After that we were finally into the announcement of awards for the competition. They stretched out the suspense as long as was at all possible, but eventually had to surrender and give out the awards.
First there was a Conductor’s Prize, which the judge carefully explained was not for the best conductor, but the one who did the most with the talent and abilities of the choir. The conductor of the Youth Mixed Choir, Warsaw, received that.
The rankings were as follows:
7. Emmelia Children’s choir 69 points
6. Youth Mixed Choir of Warsaw 72 points
5. Bella Musica 73.5 point
4. Girls Youth Choir, Slovakia 75 points
2. Siparantum of Kosovo and the Youth Mixed Choir of Warsaw tied with 88.5 points
1. BYU Singers placed 1st with 95.3 points.
After the awards were given out, BYU Singers were invited to sing one more piece; they chose “Wheels of a Dream” from Ragtime.
All the awards set off a surge of group photos as choirs grabbed their own flag and posed with it, and choirs intermingled to have photos taken. It was a great way to show the appreciation for each other that the choirs had by the end of the festival.
The choirs are now at a tavern having a dinner together; a few of us “leaders” came back to the hotel to finish packing (and the blog) before a very early departure tomorrow morning. You’ll hear a new voice writing the rest of tour, but it will be fun to have a fresh take.