Oakwood University Aeolians Take Home World Choral Title
July 13, 2017: Oakwood University’s the Aeolians bested the competition taking first place in the choral category of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, a Wales-based music and dance festival that ran from July 3-9.
The choir won £3000 as well as the prestigious Choir of the World Pavarotti Trophy.
In addition, Huntsville Alabama-based NBC affiliate WAFF 48 reported that the Aeolian’s director, Dr. Jason Ferdinand, was named Outstanding Director of the World Choral Festival.
The event was first held in 1947 as a festival to showcase some of the best talent in the world.
The festival, according to its website, seeks to celebrate “Peace and Harmony.”
To that end, the event draws over 4,000 performers and up to 50,000 visitors for both song and dance performances celebrating international friendship.
The Aeolians are Oakwood University’s premier touring ensemble. The choir was founded in 1946 by former professor, Dr. Eva B. Dykes.
It consists of 45–60 singers from various disciplines.
The Aeolians tour nationally and internationally as musical ambassadors for Oakwood.
