Sola Gratia Chorale emerged as the Grand Prix Champion at the 8th Singapore International Choral Festival 2024, securing their qualification for the 4th Asia Choral Grand Prix 2025. The prestigious event occurred at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Esplanade Concert Hall on July 31, 2024.

Sola Gratia, consisting of 40 members led by Cyril Punay, their conductor, excelled in multiple categories. During the competition event from July 28-July 31, 2024, they clinched 3 gold awards: Musica Sacra Open Category Gold Award Category Winner, Folklore Open Category Gold Award, Gold Award Mixed Category Winners (Voices 25 years and below), respectively.

The Singapore International Choral Festival (SICF), an annual gathering since 2014, showcases choirs from around the globe, celebrating and competing in the art of choral music. The festival has become a prominent fixture in the local and regional choral music calendar. This year’s competition featured over 70 choral groups from Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. Seven of 72 participating choirs advanced to the Grand Prix Round, where Sola Gratia triumphed. As a grand prix finalist, they sang one piece from the mixed category “Pamugun,” a choral piece by Francisco Feliciano rendered in a traditional Filipino language called Maguindanao. The term “pamugun” translates to “sparrow” in English. They also performed a new piece, “Petrus,” the Latin name for Peter, composed by Z. Randall Stroope. This work is a musical reflection of the character of Peter, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.

Sola Gratia Chorale was founded by Cyril Punay in 2019 and translates to “Grace Alone.” The chorale’s name, as expressed by Mr. Punay in his recent Facebook post, bears significant sentiments to him. “The name means so much to me, reflecting on where I was at that time. I knew God’s grace had sustained me and allowed me to be where He wanted me to be. Even now, there are and will always be many hurdles in life, but my experience with Sola will always be a testimony to share with all of you,” he expressed.

Sola Gratia Chorale comprises diverse students currently enrolled at the Adventist University of the Philippines and young professionals based in Silang, Cavite. Mr. Punay, an alumnus of AUP Batch 2015, holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree with a concentration in Choral Conducting. He served as a music instructor at the Junior High Department of AUP Academy from 2017-2021.

This year, he recently graduated with a Masters in Music – Major in Choral Conducting, from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA. He also serves as a Graduate Assistant of the Choral Studio and Assistant Conductor of Andrews University Singers under Professor Stephen Zork.