Los Cantantes de Manila wins 2 golds, conductor’s prize at 2025 Busan Choral Festival

Filipino community choir Los Cantantes de Manila (LCDM) earned new international recognition after winning two First Prizes (Gold) and the Conductor’s Prize at the 2025 Busan Choral Festival and Competition (BCFC) held from October 30 to November 2 in Busan, South Korea.

Competing against 12 choirs from five countries, LCDM won in both the Classical Mixed Category and Ethnic/Traditional Category. Their conductor, Darwin Vargas, also received the Conductor’s Prize for his leadership and artistic direction throughout the competition.

“We are deeply honored to represent the Philippines and to share our music with the world,” Vargas said. 

"Through this victory, we hope to continue bringing Philippine choral artistry and cultural heritage to the global stage.”

Founded in 2014, Los Cantantes de Manila is composed of students, young professionals, and musicians. The group has since become active in the international choral circuit, earning top prizes in South Korea, Germany, Hungary, Russia, and Italy. It has also received the Ani ng Dangal Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) four times for its achievements abroad.

The group’s latest win came shortly after their European concert and competition tour across Germany and Spain, where they competed as finalists in the 35th European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in Tolosa, Spain, on October 26. 

The annual event is widely regarded as one of the most competitive choral festivals in the world.

Known for their diverse repertoire, LCDM performs classical works, contemporary pieces, and Filipino traditional music. Under Vargas’s direction, the choir has built a reputation for strong musicianship and consistent performance across varied genres.

Los Cantantes de Manila’s win in Busan adds to the growing list of international honors received by Filipino choirs in recent years, continuing the country’s long-standing presence in the global choral community.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News