The Bach Singers from Hungary finished in second place, while the Ausma Female Choir from Latvia came third. Malta’s own Cantores Sancti Juliani were placed fourth. An honourable mention was given to the Choral Society of Moravian Teachers from the Czech Republic.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech presented the winning choirs with trophies designed by Maltese artist Paul Haber.

They were also

presented with cash prizes.

The international jury was comprised of Simon Tipping from New Zealand, Christian Ljunggren from Sweden and Andrea Angelini from Italy. Fr John Galea was the musical advisor and chairman of the adjudicating panel.

During the final night of the festival, which was compered by

theatre personality Edward Mercieca, the audience was entertained by members of the Daphne Lungaro Folkore Group

As a grand finale, the four choirs that reached the finals performed this year’s test piece – The Trees by Maltese composer Fr Daniel Sammut

The Malta International Choir Festival is organised by the MTA’s Product Planning and Development Directorate.