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Oakwood University Choir Win at World Choir Games in Tshwane, South Africa with Highest Scores (2409 hits)

Oakwood University Aeolians achieved highest scores in two categories to win big at the 10th edition of World Choir Games in Tshwane, located in the northern part of South Africa.

Competing in the categories of Spirituals, University and College and Musica Contemporanea, the Aeolians bested over 22 other choirs from around the world, triumphing not only with the highest score in two of the three categories entered, but winning three gold medals, of which two were championships at the biennial event. Their gold medal-winning scores were:

• Spirituals: 97.88
• University and College Choirs: 96.88
• Musica Comtemporanea: 91.00

The invited assortment of over 300 choirs this year hailed from around the world. Many came from South Africa, Sweden, Germany and beyond, as well as further flung locales like Singapore, Indonesia, Argentina, China and of course, the United States.

INTERKULTUR, event organizers, hosted the world’s largest choir competition for the first time on the continent of Africa with Tshwane as the host city. This year marks the 30th year of the games and 11 days of competition. At this event, The Aeolians repeated their gold medal wins from the 2012 World Choir Games in Cincinnati, Ohio.

"We are delighted to acknowledge, to the glory of God, the hard work, and sacrifice of the Aeolians and their leadership,” says Dr. Leslie Pollard, President of Oakwood University. “The Aeolians represent a treasure for our Seventh-day Adventist Church, the city of Huntsville, the state of Alabama, and our United States of America. Congratulations to Dr. Jason Ferdinand, our music department, and especially our devoted students, who compose this world-renowned group. Having toured with them in South Africa last week, the message was clear—Oakwood University is all about excellence!”

Dr. Pollard went on to say, “We express appreciation for our major sponsor, Kettering Health Network, and all of the generous supporters that made this opportunity possible. Thank you for believing in the global ministry of Oakwood University.”