University of Oregon Chamber Choir members take home first place at the Olympics of choral competition!
The World Choir Games hosted 250 choirs from 41 countries in New Zealand this past July. In one of the two categories in which they won first place, UOCC received the highest score in the entire competition: 97.88/100.
Read More About Their Win in This Article by Oregon Public Broadcasting
History of International Travel
UOCC Director Dr. Sharon J. Paul is no stranger to the global stage, with more than three decades leading choirs on international journeys.
Her passion for exposing students to diverse cultures through music was ignited on a three-week trip to Berlin, Poland, and the Soviet Union in 1990. The Berlin Wall had just fallen, and the day after the choir’s Berlin concert, they rented small pickaxes and chipped away at the wall themselves. They drove through Checkpoint Charlie and sang in Poland, Kiev, Moscow, and the Baltics, which were fighting for their independence at that time.
“I am still in touch with so many of those students, and they all describe it as a completely life-changing journey,” Paul said.
While Paul has mixed feelings about choral competitions because music is not a competitive sport, she recognizes the profound impact of immersing oneself in new cultures. On past trips, her students have eaten meals with Syrian refugees, danced and sang the night away with choirs from Israel and Russia, and embraced the transformative power of global connection.
"If you go into these international competitions with the desire to learn and with an open heart for the experiences you will share with fellow choristers, you will emerge with new perspectives on both music and the world we live in,” she said.
Excitement Among Choir Members
Prior to heading off to New Zealand, UOCC members were filled with anticipation. Students like Joey Decker, who traveled with the choir when they went to Spain in 2022, eagerly awaited another life-changing experience.
UOCC performs in Spain, 2022
“I met so many amazing people while [in Spain],” he recalled. “I got to experience so many amazing cultural activities and learn so much about travel, myself, and my friends. Most of all, we had just an amazing musical experience and learned so much. It was amazing!”
Fellow choir member Emma Jones echoed Decker’s sentiment, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to explore a country she’s long dreamed of visiting.
“What I’m trying to get out of this New Zealand experience is the chance to get to experience another culture,” she said. “New Zealand, specifically, is such an expensive place to go. I've wanted to go my entire life, but I knew I probably never would be able to on my own, so I'm incredibly grateful that we get the opportunity to go there this year.”
Grace Miller, with UOCC for two years, is excited to share Oregon culture with the international choirs. “The opportunity to represent the University of Oregon abroad means that I get to share the amazing experience that I’ve been a part of and represent the amazing culture that we have,” she said.
Traveling to the Games
The journey to the World Choir Games began July 13 in Eugene, OR. The choir loaded their belongings onto a charter bus and headed to Portland International Airport. After a layover in Los Angeles and Australia, they landed in New Zealand after 46 total hours of travel.
World Choir Games Begin
UOCC hit the ground running their first full day in New Zealand, rehearsing at All Saints Posonby to perfect their performances.
UOCC rehearses in All Saints Posonby
In between rehearsals, the choir explored Auckland, including touring the Auckland War Memorial and walking in the World Choir Games Parade of Nations.
UOCC representing University of Oregon at Parade of Nations
UOCC’s first performance took place at the Auckland Town Hall and was part of the Games' Celebration Concert. The choir was invited to sing at this event, which is considered a great honor.
The Competition
UOCC competed in two categories across two days: Sacred Choral Music and University and College Choirs.
After the competition, they explored New Zealand more, touring Hobbiton and the Te Puia Cultural Centre. A quick flight to Australia allowed members to see the sights in Syndey, including the iconic Sydney Opera House and Koala Park, among others.
Looking Ahead
After nearly two weeks abroad, the choir embarked on a nearly 24-hour journey back to the States, two first-place plaques in hand. Some members will begin their professional careers, having graduated a few weeks before the trip. Others will rejoin UOCC in the fall where they will rehearse new repertoire for future concerts, all with their eyes on the next international experience that will most likely occur in 2026.