TOKYO – The four months hard working of the Student Choir Vocalista Paradisso of UPN “Veteran Yogyakarta was finally paid off by winning a competition at The 2nd  Tokyo International Choir Competition 2019 which took place on July 26-28, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan.

Vocalista Paradisso was firstly announced as the champion (Winner Category) for the Folklore Music category. In addition, Vocalista Paradisso also won the Gold Medal for the category of Contemporary Music, Best Interpretation of contemporary compulsory songs, Dies Irae and Best Audience Award.

Under the leadership of Setyo Watjono and being assisted by A.Y.N Warsiki, the 44 members of Vocalista Paradisso team was the only representative from Indonesia, competing with professional choirs from various other countries such as Japan, China, the Philippines, Latvia and Poland.

Vocalista Paradisso's journey through this achievement was certainly not easy. Mevia as the team departure General Manager said that TICC was a challenging international competition for Vocalista Paradisso.

"TICC is classified as atough and heavy competition. Unlike the other international competitions that we usually joined in November, TICC was held in July, so we did not have a long time to prepare. There are also many members who are still attending the choir competition for the first time. TICC is indeed a challenge for us", Mevia said.

Mevia also recounted that a long preparation was made to take part in the competition.

"We practiced tirelessly every day. We also jointly sought additional funds through various activities. We also made our own costumes. We balanced training time and lecture activities as much as possible. We had been laughing and crying together. So, this team was strong. Every second we went through was a very precious memory. "

The struggle and hard work of Vocalista Paradisso resulted a successful victory.

"We are very grateful for our achievements. We are very grateful to the university-the Chancellor and his staff, the Vocalista Paradisso family, donors and sponsors who  supported us. We proudly present this victory to the name of the beloved alma mater UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta and also for Indonesia, Mevia said.

The departure of the UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta choirto The 2nd Tokyo International Choir Competition was sponsored by Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), PT Dutamas Abadi Investama, Pakualaman and Hartono Mall Yogyakarta.