Why the GNU Chorale 'never gets old,' according to its choir director

Darlane Yap, one of Cebu Normal University's (CNU) arts teachers, wasn't meant to be the university's choir director. She only took over when requested through a memo by the late university president, Ester Balgue-Velasquez, supposedly until they found the best person for the job, after the choir's then director left the country.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

“CNU wants to get the best, but I am not the best. I was just their teacher,” Yap, who was originally the choir’s pianist, told interviewers. “I am in my 17th year [in this job]. Nobody came over to take my place.”

Yap’s tenure as choir leader is as old as the CNU Chorale itself. In its 17 years, the choir has made its mark both nationally and globally.

Their recent achievements include being hailed champions in the standard chorale category at the 11th National Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Festival in Manila in 2024, as well as winning the first Kanta Binisaya held in Tacloban, Leyte.

Overseas, they became a grand prix finalist and a recipient of the Conductors' Choice Award at the Bali International Choir Festival 2024 in Indonesia.

Whether you've seen the CNU Chorale before or are watching them for the first time, Yap's effective leadership was evident during their 17th anniversary concert titled “Our Gift: A Dream...A Wish”, held August 2 at the university’s main campus.