Colombian choir wins international festival

The Tonos Humanos Mixed Choir from Colombia has won the 16th edition of the Malta International Choir Festival organised by the Product Planning and Development Directorate of the Malta Tourism Authority.

The Bach Singers from Hungary came second while the Ausma Female Choir from Latvia placed third. The Maltese Cantores Sancti Juliani were fourth.

An honourable mention was given to the Choral Society of Moravian Teachers from the Czech Republic.

Minister for Tourism and Culture Francis Zammit Dimech presented the winners with trophies designed by artist Paul Haber. The four winning choirs were also presented with cash prizes.

The international jury was made up of Simon Tipping from New Zealand, Christian Ljunggren from Sweden and Andrea Angelini from Italy. Fr John Galea was musical adviser and chairman of the adjudicating panel.

The final night was held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on Friday.

The festival was compered by theatre personality Edward Mercieca. The audience during the final night were also entertained by members of the Daphne Lungaro Folkore Group.

As a grand finale, the four choirs that reached the finals performed this year's test piece The Trees by the Maltese composer Fr Daniel Sammut.