Radhiyya Indra, Jakarta – The Resonanz Children's Choir (TRCC) took home the grand prix prize in the Leonardo Da Vinci International Choral Festival in Florence, Italy, on Friday.
The group won in two categories: Category D, Children's Choir and Category G, Popular, Folk, Gospel, Barbershop, Jazz and Modern Ensemble. Choir teams achieving 80.01 points or higher in a category competition get the opportunity to compete at the Grand Prix competition, according to the competition website.
The TRCC also won the Best Choreography award.
Comprising 44 singers aged 8 to 16 years, the TRCC was the only children's choir in the competition. They were accompanied by trainers and conductors Luciana Dharmadi Oendoen, Rainier Revireino and David Hartono Chendra.
This year was the fifth edition of the renowned global competition, which was founded by the Florence Choral group, known for holding other well-respected choral competitions. The competition was held from July 11 to 14.
The TRCC competed against several choral groups from around the world, such as Puerto Rico en Arecibo from Puerto Rico and the the Mahidol University Choir from Thailand.
The Indonesian group performed a variety of tunes, including children's song "Mejikuhibiniu" by Indonesian composer Fero Aldiansya Stefanus, Italian folk song "Guapparia" and "Der Psalm 23" composed by Austrian composer Franz Schubert.
During its performance, the TRCC showcased a colorful presentation of Indonesian culture, performing traditional Minangkabau tune "Tak Tong Tong" from West Sumatra while dressed in Minang traditional outfits.
"This achievement is very special knowing that this team consists of relatively new members, those who got in during the early pandemic times," TRCC artistic director Avip Priatna said in a statement on Saturday.
Many of the new members trained together online and through sending videos back and forth. Last week's competition in Florence was their first international outing.
"We're all very grateful that their hard work and spirit paid off despite all the struggle," Avip said.
Avip founded the TRCC in 2007 and has led the group to win several international competitions since then, including the highly regarded European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in 2018. The choral group is part of The Resonanz Music Studio (TRMS), home to the Batavia Madrigal Singers, which won the 32nd European Grand Prix for Choral Singing last year.