Two Olympic golds for Singapore

THE Athens Olympics may still be three weeks away, but Singapore has already produced a double Olympic gold medallist -- albeit not the sporting kind.

The 29-strong Victoria Chorale clinched two gold medals at the biennial Choir Olympics, which was held in Bremen, Germany, from July 8 to 12. The largest international choir competition in the world, it saw 360 choirs from 83 countries taking part this year.

Despite competing against larger choirs, some of which were double its size, the Chorale came in second and third in the Folklore A Capella and Mixed Youth Choirs categories respectively.

Gold medals were awarded to them in both categories as their scores were higher than the minimum gold medal standard of 80.5 points.

Said choral director Nelson Kwei: "With such a small group, we've still managed to come this far in the competition, winning against choirs so much larger than ours."

Assistant conductor Yong Chee Foon, 31, added: "It's easier for big choirs to blend together and produce a fuller sound."

The Victoria Chorale was formed in 1988, and its members comprise alumni from Victoria School and Victoria Junior College. They started preparing for the competition last December, holding practices at Siglap South Community Centre (SSCC) during the weekends. The Chorale is one of the performing groups under SSCC's Centre of Performing Arts.

Chorale member Dawn Sin, 23, told Streats about the entire experience.

"I had to sacrifice my weekends and spend less time with my family.

But we enjoy doing what we do, and we've got used to it."

President of the Victoria Chorale Sandy Chui, 25, added: "I'm quite amazed by the dedication and perseverance shown by the members. We never expected to do so well, but it's great to have done Singapore proud."

(Article reproduced from Streats - 22 July 2004, by Lester Chiew)