International Youth Music Festival I.Registration is still open

International Youth Music Festival I.Registration is still open 2025
July 01 - 04, 2025, Bratislava

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Ensembles

Puzangalan Children's Choir

Taiwan

Puzangalan Children’s Choir was founded in 2008 in Majia Township, located in the northeast of Pingtung County in southern Taiwan. The choir is composed of children from the Paiwan tribe, one of Taiwan’s indigenous groups. These children possess naturally beautiful voices and are trained in the traditional songs of their culture. The aim is not only to preserve and pass on Paiwan traditions but also to help the children develop a deeper understanding of their own cultural roots. Beyond cultural education, the choir seeks to share joy and hope through music. Its name, “Puzangalan,” means “hope” in the Paiwan language—reflecting the belief that singing can bring inspiration and a brighter future to the children. Praised as “the most beautiful voice in Taiwan,” the Puzangalan Children’s Choir has actively participated in numerous competitions and performances since its founding. These experiences serve as valuable educational tools, boosting the children’s self-confidence, sense of identity, and motivation to learn. They also show that education can be diverse, engaging, and joyful. The choir has earned several international honors. At the 11th International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival and Competition in 2019, it was awarded the Gold Medal First Prize in Category G – Children’s & Youth Choirs, along with Gold Prizes in Category F – Folklore and Category S – Sacred Choral Music. In 2017, the choir received the Gold Diploma in the Children’s Category at the Musica Eterna a Roma – 8th International Choir Festival and Competition. That same year, it was awarded the Gold Diploma in the Children’s Category, as well as the titles of Best Female Soloist and Best Choreography, at the 1st Leonardo da Vinci International Choral Festival.

Sheng-ying Wu

Conductor / Leader

Wu Sheng-ying (aboriginal name: Muni Takivaljit) is a member of the Paiwan tribe. She was born in southern Pingtung County, Taiwan, and holds a degree in vocal music from the Department of Music at Tainan University of Technology. She further pursued her studies in vocal music and choral conducting at the Institute of Music, National Sun Yat-sen University. During her academic journey, she was supported by a scholarship specifically designed for indigenous students. In 2000, she participated in the ISME (International Society for Music Education) Music Festival in Canada as a member of a touring musical group. Muni Takivaljit is currently the conductor of the Puzangalan Children’s Choir, with "Puzangalan" meaning "hope" in the Paiwan language. She specializes in interpreting traditional Paiwan melodies through modern choral techniques, blending the ancient beauty of aboriginal chants with contemporary musical styles. This unique approach has been gaining widespread recognition and appreciation across Taiwan. Since founding the Puzangalan Children’s Choir in 2008, she has led the ensemble to win three national awards for excellence in 2010, 2011, and 2012. In 2010, the choir also received a Gold Prize in the Youth Category at both the 10th China International Chorus Festival and the 2nd Xinghai International Choral Festival. Under her leadership, the choir went on to win First Prize in the Children’s Category at the 11th China International Chorus Festival in 2012. Wu Sheng-ying and the Puzangalan Children’s Choir have been invited to perform multiple times at the Taipei International Choral Festival, where their performances were warmly received by audiences and fellow participants. Their growing reputation also led to international invitations. In 2012, they were invited to the 4th International Children's Choir Festival in Dresden. In 2013, they performed at the International Children’s Choir Festival “Georg Friedrich Händel” in Germany, and in 2015, they were featured at a children’s choral festival hosted by the Japan Choral Association.

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