The Universitas Gadjah Mada Student Choir (PSM UGM) has once again achieved success on the international stage. At the 7th Karangturi International Choir Competition (KICC) 2025, held at the Lim Liang Peng Theater of Karangturi National School on November 12-15, the UGM team secured the title of Grand Champion. The ensemble, comprising 38 singers, one conductor, and one pianist, also won a Gold Medal in the Mixed category, a Gold Medal for second place in the Folklore category, and the Best Conductor award for Lukas Gunawan Arga Rakasiwi.
The Chair of the 2025 PSM UGM, Maria Flora Yofi Nagerika, expressed her pride and emotion at the team’s achievement. She explained that the journey toward an international competition was far from simple, requiring the commitment and consistency of every member.
“The first feeling that came to our minds when we were announced as the winner was an overwhelming sense of disbelief because, after such a long period of rehearsals and preparation, we were able to achieve the highest position at KICC 2025,” she said on Tuesday (Nov. 25).
The team’s dedication was further reflected in a training process that was not always smooth.
Nagerika shared that the Mixed and Folklore categories presented distinct technical challenges, each requiring different vocal approaches.
She noted that the complexity of each repertoire demanded that the choir adapt its vocal character accordingly.
“The pieces we performed each had their own level of difficulty, and in every performance, we had to present them with different colours and techniques,” she explained.
To achieve their best performance, the team underwent seven months of intensive training starting in April.
Under normal conditions, rehearsals were held three times a week, but as the competition approached, the frequency increased to five to seven sessions per week.
Nagerika added that the musical concept was developed through strategic discussions between the team and their coach, Lukas Gunawan Arga Rakasiwi.
This concept was then translated into the selection of repertoires for the Mixed and Folklore categories, as well as a different set of pieces prepared specifically for the Grand Prix round.
“The selection of concepts and the choice of different repertoire for the Grand Prix round certainly came with its own level of difficulty, especially in an international competition,” she said.
The victory at KICC 2025 marks an important milestone for the UGM Student Choir and serves as a reminder that hard work and unity can lead to outstanding results.
In keeping with the choir’s slogan, “Jaya, Jaya, Juara (Glory, Glory, to Victory!)” the team remains committed to advancing further in future competitions.
“We definitely plan to participate in upcoming competitions to win more championships, so that we can continue to bring pride to UGM both nationally and internationally,” Nagerika concluded.
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: PSM UGM