The East Tennessee State University Chorale returned from Wales, United Kingdom, bringing home two first-place trophies and wonderful memories from the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
The Chorale placed first in both the Youth and Adult Folk Song Choir categories, and placed second in Mixed Choir. The ensemble’s first-place finishes qualified it to compete for the Choir of the World title, and while the Chorale did not win that coveted spot, its members and conductor Dr. Matthew Potterton, chair of the ETSU Department of Music, are happy and proud of their accomplishments and thankful for the experiences they shared.
Potterton, who enjoyed the Llangollen experience as a conductor after competing there twice as a college student, said the judges were highly complimentary of the Chorale’s programming, energy and emotion. The Chorale’s performances and success at Llangollen, he says, is also bringing positive recognition to ETSU.
“This particular competition is well known around the world, and the fact that we did so well is just helping get our name out there,” Potterton said. “I’ve gotten notes from various conductors both in the U.S. and internationally congratulating us.
“The students who went are incredible,” he continued. “They represented the United States and ETSU beautifully.”
This is the first time ETSU has participated in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, and the Chorale was selected by audition from among 100 choirs for inclusion in this year’s event.
