UP Jacaranda Children's Choir - overall winners of international Youth Music Festival

With stiff competition from youth choirs from Poland, Russia, Estonia, Denmark, Bulgaria, Bosnia Herzegovina and Ukraine, South Africa's University of Pretoria Jacaranda Children's Choir dominated the traditional folk category with 100% and the children's choir section with 90%. They received the Grand Prix winners of the festival award with a mark of 100% which is indeed an accomplishment as no children's choir has ever won this prestigious award.

The group of up to 70-members (between 9 and 16 years) had the opportunity to perform in concert halls, churches and outdoor settings in the historical center of the city during their trip.

Michael Barrett, musical director and conductor of the choir, says the aim of the Jacaranda Children's Choir is to prepare children for life through social enrichment in a musical environment.