The Asaph Choir

Nigeria

As of 2024, Choir Place ranked the Asaph Choir as the number one professional choir in Nigeria, highlighting its musical excellence and impact.

The Asaph Choir is known for highly skilled performances, blending classical, contemporary gospel, and African choral styles. They perform in multiple languages, including English, Yoruba, and other African dialects, and have a repertoire that includes hymns, anthems, and original compositions.

The choir operates under the leadership of Dr. D.K. Olukoya, who has a strong passion for music and worship. They also mentor and train younger musicians, raising the next generation of gospel choristers and instrumentalists.

I.N.T.A. Mixed Choir

Estonia

I.N.T.A. Mixed Choir was formed on the initiative of its conductor Mrs. Inta Roost in 2003. Representing the culturally rich nation of Estonia, the choir presents a harmonious blend of passionate voices united by their love for choral music.

Established with a mission to celebrate Estonia’s proud choral singing tradition, the choir brings together singers from diverse backgrounds to perform a wide repertoire, ranging from classical choral masterpieces to contemporary works and traditional Estonian folk songs.

The choir is a member of the Association of Estonian Mixed Choirs and actively performs in concerts and choir competitions in Estonia, winning several prizes.

In 2022, I.N.T.A. Mixed Choir was awarded Choir of the Year of Estonia and their conductor was nominated for Conductor of the Year.

Whether performing in concert halls or outdoor settings, the I.N.T.A. Mixed Choir delivers a memorable experience, leaving audiences inspired and uplifted. With a deep commitment to artistic growth and cultural exchange, they are proud ambassadors of Estonia’s rich musical legacy.

Laetare Vocal Ensemble

Ireland

Laetare Vocal Ensemble is a mixed-voice choir based in Dublin city centre. Founded in 2014, the choir is active in concerts, festivals, collaborations, commissions, and recordings. Laetare’s latest album is the critically acclaimed Ghost Songs: Contemporary Music and Words from Ireland, a 35-track collection of choral works interspersed with readings by leading Irish poets and writers.

Laetare’s competition successes include the ‘Ireland’s Choir of the Year’ award at the Cork International Choral Festival; 2nd prize and the special award to a conductor at the City of Derry International Choir Festival; and a Gold Diploma in the Grand Prix final of the Ave Verum International Choral Festival, Austria.

The choir was founded by conductor Dr Róisín Blunnie. Róisín is Associate Professor of Music and Head of the School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music at Dublin City University, where she is also the Programme Chair of Ireland’s first M.A. in Choral Studies.

University College Cork Singers

Ireland

UCC Singers is the competitive sub-choir of University College Cork’s Choral Society and is currently conducted by Ben Jacob. Formed in September 2014, they recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. UCC Singers is active during the academic year and comprises 35 students who rehearse every Wednesday, performing a wide variety of music with a special interest in performing contemporary and sacred repertoire. Last year, their annual sold out concerts Carols by Candlelight and Sounds of Spring raised over €4,000 for charity.

In 2024, they competed in the City of Derry International Choir Festival where they placed first in the Mixed Voice competition. At the revival of the All-Ireland Choral Intervarsity in February 2025, they were delighted to receive 1st place in both the Sacred Music and Ireland’s University Choir of the Year competitions. At the 2025 Cork International Choral Festival, they received first place in the Church Music category, won the Ireland’s Choir of the Year competition, and were awarded the Victor Leeson Perpetual Trophy.

University of Santo Tomas Singers

Philippines

Founded in 1992 by Prof. Fidel Gener Calalang, Jr., the University of Santo Tomas Singers is the premier mixed choral ensemble of the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas.

For over 30 years, The UST Singers has completed 38 international concert and competition tours showcasing Thomasian excellence and Filipino artistry across Europe, North America, Australia, and the Asia Pacific.

With members comprising of select students and alumni from the different colleges, institutes, and faculties within the university, the choir earned critical acclaim, winning more than 85 top prizes in the world’s most prestigious competitions worldwide. Notably, they have the distinction of being the only choir to win the Choir of the World – Luciano Pavarotti Trophy twice at the world’s oldest choir competition, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, the United Kingdom.

Despite the challenges from the recent global pandemic, the choir continues its mission of sharing goodwill and the Philippines’ rich culture and heritage through music.