The Philippine Madrigal Singers was again proclaimed the best choir in the world after winning the 2007 European Choral Grand Prix in Arezzo, Italy last Sunday, the only choir to ever win the distinction twice. The last time they won was 10 years ago in Tours, France.

The group bested four other championship choirs from Cuba, Hungary, Russia, and Taiwan. They earned the right to compete in this year’s Grand Prix by winning the Florilége Vocal de Tours in France last year.

The Grand Prix winner, or laureate, receives a diploma, trophy, cash prize up to 4,000 euros and other prizes determined by the organizing city. Strict competition rules prohibit the laureate from competing in international choral competitions for the next two years.