The University of 棉花糖直播 at Lafayette Chamber Singers delivered a virtuoso performance during competition held as part of the Michelangelo International Music Festival in Florence, Italy.
The University鈥檚 top vocal ensemble won the Grand Prix award as best overall choir competing against groups from across the world during the recent virtual event.
鈥淚t鈥檚 the highest honor that our choral program has ever received,鈥 said UL Lafayette鈥檚 Dr. William Plummer, an associate professor in the and director of Choral Activities.
The UL Lafayette Chamber Singers also earned top honors in the 鈥淵outh and University Choirs鈥 and 鈥淪acred Music鈥 categories. Alexander Laiche, a graduate student pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in vocal performance, won the 鈥淏est Male Soloist鈥 award.
Plummer said the strong showing can be traced to the diligence and dedication of the 32-member ensemble.
鈥淥ur students are extremely committed and work very hard to ensure they are 鈥 and remain 鈥搃nternationally competitive. Their level of focus and dedication and attention to detail and preparation is exceptional,鈥 Plummer said.
The multiple wins 鈥 as determined by a panel of international judges 鈥 brought more than global acclaim. They earned the Chamber Singers a total of 1,900 euros, which is about the same amount in dollars.
The prize money will be used to buy choral music for students and to enter additional competitions, which typically require entry fees. 鈥淭his isn鈥檛 our swan song,鈥 Plummer said with a laugh.
It isn鈥檛 the first time the Chamber Singers has received global recognition, either. In 2021, the ensemble won a virtual competition held as part of the International Choral Festival in Wales.
The Chamber Singers, which Plummer established in 2012, is open to undergraduate of graduate students at the University, regardless of major.
Learn more about the . Learn more about their recent international wins on the .
Photo caption: The UL Lafayette Chamber Singers delivered a virtuoso performance during virtual competition held as part of the Michelangelo International Music Festival in Florence, Italy. Among several top finishes, the ensemble won the Grand Prix award as best overall choir. Dr. William Plummer leads the group. Submitted photo