A newly formed youth choir based in Dubai is already making its mark in the UAE’s choral scene after winning two major awards at ChoirFest Middle East, a competition known for drawing some of the region’s strongest vocal ensembles.
ECS Singers, composed of 42 young performers aged 8 to 18, stood out despite being one of the newest groups in the lineup. The choir features members from a wide range of nationalities, including Sri Lanka, India, the Philippines, the United States, South Africa, and Indonesia—reflecting Dubai’s multicultural character through music.
During the competition, ECS Singers competed against seven senior choirs and impressed the panel with a level of confidence and musical control that exceeded expectations for a youth ensemble.
One of the group’s standout achievements came through their performance of “Magpasalamat,” an original work written by their conductor, Mr. Elipas Sibua. The song, centered on giving thanks to God for life’s blessings, earned ECS Singers the award for Best Non-English Song after resonating strongly with both the judges and audience.
The choir’s performance was also praised for its energetic tone, creative vocal effects, and the overall atmosphere it delivered on stage, helping secure one of the day’s most notable recognitions.
In the finals, ECS Singers returned with another strong showing through “We Are the World,” which earned the group the Runner-Up award. The moment became especially memorable when their conductor invited the audience to sing along, turning the performance into a shared experience that filled the theater with voices.
Their success at ChoirFest Middle East marked an early breakthrough for the choir, with “Magpasalamat” receiving the Best Song Not in English award as part of their two-award win.
