CORALIA SHINES IN IRELAND: CHORAL EXCELLENCE AT THE CORK INTERNATIONAL CHORAL COMPETITION

Coralia during its performance in the competition round of the 69th edition of the Cork International Choral Festival, held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Cork City Hall (photo by Cork International Choral Festival)

After months of intense preparation, discipline, and shared passion, Coralia — the Concert Choir of the University of Puerto Rico — returned from Ireland with heads held high, new accomplishments in our artistic journey, and hearts full of gratitude. Our participation in the 69th edition of the prestigious Cork International Choral Festival marked an unforgettable chapter in our history and reaffirmed our commitment to choral excellence.

Coralia was selected to compete in the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition, the festival’s central event, featuring 10 choirs from around the world. This competition brings together ensembles of the highest technical and artistic caliber and is considered one of the most demanding platforms in the European choral scene.

We are proud to share that Coralia earned third place, finishing just one point behind first place, in what was an exceptionally close competition. We were also honored with the Heinrich Schütz Perpetual Trophy, awarded for the best performance of a work by composer Heinrich Schütz across both the national and international competitions — a recognition that highlights our commitment to the academic and universal choral repertoire.

During our time in Cork, we had the opportunity to share the stage with fellow participating choirs in various festival activities. We took part in multiple Friendship Concerts offered to the local community, where we presented a program that represented both Puerto Rican and international choral traditions, and we were warmly received by enthusiastic audiences.

We also offered educational workshops in elementary schools across Cork, where children had the chance to interact with us, learn about our music, and discover Puerto Rican culture through singing. These moments were deeply moving and reminded us of the power of art as a tool for connection and transformation.

Additionally, we were specially invited to present a musical intervention during the national competition, an honor reserved for outstanding ensembles and another wonderful opportunity to share our work with an even broader audience.

Every journey leaves a mark, but this one was especially meaningful. Not only because of the recognition we received, but also due to the artistic, personal, and collective growth we experienced. The cultural exchange, the time spent with other choirs, and the excitement of representing Puerto Rico on an international stage — all of this strengthens us and fuels our mission.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the people and institutions who made this tour possible: our families, the university community, alumni, sponsors, friends of the choir, and everyone who supported us with their time, encouragement, or donations. We are especially grateful to our vocal coach, Zulimar López, for believing in our talent and always guiding us toward excellence, and to Mrs. Malva Rivera, for being our guardian angel. This achievement also belongs to them.

Following this international tour, Coralia continues to prepare for new artistic projects. We invite you to stay connected through our official website and social media platforms to keep up with our upcoming concerts, special events, and future national and international tours.

Because, as we always say:

Coralia doesn’t stop

Coralia: a choir of excellence