The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) snagged the Gold Prize plus the Grand Prix for orchestra at the 13th Bratislava International Youth Music Festival on Friday after getting 99 points.

The three-day event for youth choirs and orchestras lasted from July 2 to 4 at Bratislava, Slovakia with over 500 youth participants from 13 countries. The group performed for 20 minutes at the Slovakian Radio Symphony Hall, with several song arrangements prepared.

This year, the MSJO is joined by 40 musicians and three faculty members and trainers namely, Jeffrey Solares, Sara Maria Gonzales, and Arnold Josue. Along with them is Mr. Ernesto “Judes” Echauz, their sponsor Standard Insurance group chairman.

Of the 17 ensembles, only two groups were awarded the Grand Prix. The first one for choir: The Afrikaans Hoer Meisisskool Petoria from South Africa, and orchestra: The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra from the Philippines. The Grand Prix is only given to ensembles who earned 97 points or higher.