Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner of JSU’s Media Department, the Jacksonville State University A Cappella Choir, comprising 40 members, recently competed in its inaugural European event at the prestigious CantaRode International Choral Festival in The Netherlands. The choir achieved a fourth-place finish, trailing the third-place position by just one point. An international panel of choral experts, drawn from 22 global applicants with 10 teams selected to compete, evaluated the performances during two rounds held at the Parkstad Limburg Theater in Kerkrade.
Dr. Eliezer Yanson, Director of the A Cappella Choir and Director of Choral Activities, acknowledged the significance of the event. “I was elated and relieved at the same time,” he said, noting that the strong finish provided valuable feedback and a benchmark for the program’s current standing on an international level. According to Dr. Yanson, individual feedback received during the competition has offered insights that will assist him in refining his conducting and teaching methods, thereby further enhancing the choral program.
Sophomore Hayden Medley, a tenor II and communications major, described the experience as both professionally rewarding and personally transformative. Medley recounted his initial excitement at the opportunity to travel abroad and compete on a global stage, which later evolved into a deeper understanding of the nuances of international performance. He highlighted the differences in audience responses compared to those at home, noting that European audiences often express their approval through extended applause and enthusiastic recognition after a performance.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the festival provided opportunities for cultural exchange. In addition to the rigorous performance schedule, the choir members participated in sightseeing trips to nearby cities such as Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, and Herzogenrath in Germany. Close interactions with peers from Georgia Southern University and the University of Louisiana-Lafayette also underscored the collaborative spirit of the event.
Reflecting on the tour, Dr. Yanson stated, “The competition has transformed us,” and indicated that the experience has already contributed to heightened interest in joining the choir. Plans are now underway to expand the program’s international presence by scheduling tours every two years. This event marks the beginning of what promises to be an ongoing commitment to global engagement and cultural exchange for Jacksonville State University’s choral ensembles.
