Two MAN 1 Yogyakarta Students Perform at Asia Choral Grand Prix Korea 2026

Incheon, South Korea — Two students of MAN 1 Yogyakarta have once again made their mark on the international stage. Muhammad Nafis Arfani (Grade XI) and Tara Ayu Kinanti (Grade XII) performed as part of the Gita Maizan Choir at the Asia Choral Grand Prix Korea 2026, held from February 26–28, 2026, at the Arts Center Incheon, South Korea.

The competition, organized by Heechurl, brought together some of the best choirs in Asia. Unlike typical choir festivals, the Asia Choral Grand Prix serves as a final round that gathers Grand Prix winners from various prestigious international competitions. Participants included champions from major festivals such as SICF, BICF, AOVICF, MCE, and KICC, making the level of competition exceptionally high.

In this fifth edition, only five choirs competed. Three of them represented Indonesia: Gita Maizan Choir, Borneo Cantata, and Bali Choral Academy. The other two participants were JOA Choir from South Korea and Eastern Chamber Singers from the Philippines.

As part of the Gita Maizan Choir delegation, Nafis and Tara performed six repertoires across different genres and cultures: Cantate Domino, Il Est Bel Et Bon, Deus Ultionum, Kalimantan, Butet, and Mambo Simbo. These selections combined Western classical compositions with traditional Indonesian music, showcasing the choir’s distinctive identity on the international stage.

Preparing for this prestigious competition required months of dedication. The choir members underwent regular training every weekend for approximately six months. As the competition approached, the intensity of rehearsals increased significantly.

“We trained for about six months to prepare all the repertoire and to be ready to perform on a major stage like the Asia Choral Grand Prix,” said one of the team members.

Beyond refining vocal techniques and musical interpretation, the rehearsals also strengthened the bond among members. The sense of togetherness built during the preparation period played a crucial role in creating strong on-stage chemistry.

Amid their busy training schedule, the team also maintained spiritual balance. Each rehearsal session typically began with Dhuha prayer and collective supplication, reflecting their efforts to combine hard work with spiritual devotion.

The Principal of MAN 1 Yogyakarta, Edi Triyanto, S.Ag., S.Pd., M.Pd., expressed appreciation for the students’ participation in the international choir event.

“The achievements and experiences gained by our students are a source of pride for the madrasah. We hope their participation on the international stage will inspire other students to continue developing their potential, both in academics and the arts,” he stated. (dee)