Advent Euphonic Chorale Earns Second-Highest Score at Prestigious UK Music Festival
The Advent Euphonic Chorale (AEC) garnered international recognition after receiving the second-highest score in the Open Category at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, one of the world’s most prestigious choral competitions, held in Llangollen, North Wales, United Kingdom, on July 11, 2025.
The AEC, under the direction of Ray Angelo “RA” Capiendo, an alumnus of the University, demonstrated remarkable talent in the prestigious competition featuring elite ensembles from around the globe. With an impressive score of 96 points, AEC achieved the second-highest score, after the Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir, the previous 2016 World Choir of the Year from the USA, which scored 98 points. Additionally, AEC surpassed the New Zealand Youth Choir, the current choir of the world, which earned a score of 95 points. This outstanding performance reflects AEC’s dedication and artistry in choral music, placing them in the same league as the world title holders’ choirs.
Their participation in the festival was not only a testament to their musical talent but also a testament to their strong commitment to their faith. AEC made the heartfelt decision, “among the three categories we were going to join, two of them were scheduled for Saturday morning, we realized that the option left for us was the Open Category.” By choosing to enter the Open Category, a highly competitive division, they demonstrated their unwavering conviction to honor the Sabbath while placing their trust in God, who has made them this far.
“Never doubt His plans,” Capiendo shared in his Facebook post, explaining how they were informed that two of the three categories they planned to join were scheduled on the Sabbath. He expressed that he had doubts because the only option left for them was the open category, which, in his opinion, was the most challenging. Amidst the doubts, he found inspiration and felt the strong spirit of the group. Even if the group had limited options, they moved forward with peace and conviction, knowing that “the God who called us would carry us through.”
Capiendo recounted how blessed he felt that the group had made it this far: “I thank God for the people He has placed around me.” He also recounted the joy of sharing the stage with outstanding choirs who are previous and recent winners of prestigious competitions.
AEC’s performance drew admiration not only for its artistry but also for the testimony it carried. “Though we may not have earned the title Choir of the World, being seen by the people of Llangollen as a ‘faith-based choir’ is a far greater joy and honor,” Moreen Rodelas, one of the AEC members and College of Dentistry student conveyed. “We are truly living in answered prayers,” she concluded.
Before the competition, AEC ministered to various churches in London through sacred concerts. As Sugar Tortal, an alumna of the University wrote, “May your voices always be a vessel for God’s glory, touching lives and drawing hearts closer to Him as you continue to serve faithfully.”
The AEC witnessed God’s message shared through music, uplifting hearts with one song, one heart, one goal—for One God.
As RA Capiendo says in Welsh, “Dear God, diolch!”
