The Young People’s Chorus of New York City brought home five gold medals, with three being world champions at the 12th World Choir Games.

From July 3 – 13, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City’s team of nearly 100 choristers competed in the world’s largest international choir competition. The choir was named champions of the world and received gold medals in the Children’s Choirs, Musica Contemporanea Equal Voices, and Mixed Youth Choirs categories. They also received gold medals for performances in Scenic Folklore and Gospel. Francisco J. Núñez and Elizabeth Núñez shared conducting responsibilities.

“We are incredibly proud of our choristers,” said YPC Founder and Artistic Director, Francisco J. Núñez in a press release. “It’s not easy to become World Champions, and our young people poured their hearts and souls into this competition. We are so thrilled their persistence, hard work, artistry and dedication has been recognized with such a prestigious title. In addition to this remarkable accomplishment, one of the highlights of any international competition is connecting with singers from all over the world, and we have made new friends from as far away as South Africa, Indonesia and Austria. Overall, this has been a profoundly rewarding and unforgettable experience for all of us at YPC.”

Formed by the German Organization INTERKULTUR in 2000, the World Choir Games take place on different continents every two years. Its goal is to “unite people and nations through singing in peaceful competition.” This year’s games were held in Gangneung, Republic of Korea.