Universitas Brawijaya Choir Wins Gold in Spain

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Administratio Choir delegation from the Faculty of Administrative Science at Universitas Brawijaya (FIA UB) in Malang, East Java, secured a Gold Diploma at The 72nd International Choral Contest Habaneras and Polyphony Torrevieja 2026 held in Torrevieja, Spain, from July 19 to 26, 2026.

The historic competition, established in 1955 as one of the world's oldest ongoing international choral contests, brought together 15 choir ensembles comprising over 700 singers from 13 countries across four continents. FIA UB dispatched a delegation of 35 singers who completed four months of intensive training, mental preparation, and two evaluation concerts prior to their international debut.

After progressing through the preliminary stages to the Gala and final rounds, the choir performed Hela Rotan during cultural workshop sessions and joined hundreds of global singers on stage to perform the mandatory piece, Habanera de Sal. Beyond competitive performances, the Indonesian delegates engaged in cultural exchanges, sharing traditional stories and snacks with international participants.

Choir leaders and student organizers emphasized that international competitive success serves as a platform for musical growth and cross-cultural unity. Event Committee Chair Maria Angeline Caesariani Wainira highlighted the comprehensive preparation required to perform at an international standard.

"Preparation for this competition focused not only on vocal practice, but also on building mental readiness, solidarity, and team cohesion, we also staged two test concerts as evaluation materials before taking the international stage," Maria said in a press release, as quoted on the UB's official website.

Coaching Team Representative Tatiana Alyssa Putri reflected on the unifying power of international choral workshops.

"Despite originating from different countries with distinct vocal characters, techniques, and singing styles, we built a unified harmony, for us, that experience demonstrated how music bridges differences," Tatiana expressed.

Daily Operational Manager Aksari Indriani Amalia Putri expressed hope that the Gold Diploma award would inspire broader academic achievements.

"We hope this Gold Diploma achievement serves as motivation for all members to continue developing, may this experience encourage other Universitas Brawijaya students to bring the names of our university and Indonesia to national and international stages," Aksari noted. ***