St. Bridget’s Convent Choir Brings International Recognition to Sri Lanka at Singapore Choir Festival.
The Choir of St. Bridget's Convent, Colombo 07, has earned international recognition after winning one Gold Award and two Silver Awards at the Singapore International Choir Festival 2026, one of Asia's leading platforms for choral performance.
Competing against choirs from around the world, the students secured a Gold Award in the Equal Voices category for choristers aged 12 years and below, while also receiving Silver Awards in the Musica Sacra Open Category and the Folklore Open Category.
The Singapore International Choir Festival attracts amateur choirs, including ensembles from conservatories and music academies, and is widely recognised for celebrating vocal excellence, artistic expression and cultural diversity. The festival provides choirs with an opportunity to showcase musical ability while promoting cultural exchange through performance.
St. Bridget's Convent travelled to Singapore with a contingent of approximately 175 students, making it one of the largest groups participating in this year's festival. Their performances highlighted not only musical excellence but also teamwork, discipline and Sri Lanka's cultural heritage.
The choir demonstrated its versatility through a repertoire that ranged from children's music and sacred choral works to traditional Sri Lankan folklore. The Folklore category performance drew particular attention for its vibrant presentation of Sri Lanka's musical traditions, combining authentic vocal arrangements with expressive choreography and traditional instrumental accompaniment.
The choir was prepared under the direction of past pupils Mrs. Priyanthi Seneviratne Van Dort and Ms. Harindi De Silva, whose leadership guided the students throughout the competition. Choreography for the Folklore Open Category was developed by Ms. Malinthi Kulathunga, while Ms. Harindi De Silva choreographed the Equal Voices performance for the younger choristers.
The school's participation was supported by Principals Rev. Sr. Sujani Fernando and Rev. Sr. Dilrukshika Silva, whose leadership enabled the large delegation of students to represent both the school and Sri Lanka at the international festival.
The performances were further strengthened by the contribution of pianist Mr. Maneesh Dasanayake. Guidance for the Folklore repertoire was provided by Mr. Samantha Amarajeewa and Mrs. Jayani Amarajeewa, while Mr. Thusitha Amarawansa trained the students in playing traditional Kandyan, Davula and Thamattam drums. The flautists were trained by Mr. Nuwan Balasooriya.
The achievement comes at a significant moment in the history of St. Bridget's Convent as the school prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary. The international recognition reflects the institution's longstanding commitment to academic and artistic excellence, while highlighting its continued investment in music education, cultural preservation and holistic student development.
The choir's success has also been made possible through the support of several organisations and individuals, including the Sri Lanka High Commission in Singapore, the Singapore Sri Lanka Business Association, principal sponsor International Construction Consortium, Jetwing Travels, parents, past pupils and well-wishers in both Sri Lanka and Singapore.
The awards add another milestone to Sri Lanka's growing presence on the international choral stage and underscore the ability of young Sri Lankan musicians to compete successfully at prestigious global competitions.
