The University of Newcastle Chamber Choir has been named among the best of the best following a stellar result at the World Choir Games in Cincinnati.

The Choir returned this week from competing in Cincinnati with three silver medals and their impressive performance saw them climb two spots in the overall world choral rankings in eth Chamber Choir category to sixth place.

In the hotly contested champions division, the 40-strong choir battled against the world’s most decorated choral outfits to earn champion’s competition medals in the contemporary, mixed choir and religious music categories.

Choir director, Philip Matthias, said the Choir’s performance in Cincinnati has thrust Newcastle on the world stage.

“We were already a household name in some choral circles following our gold diploma winning performances at the previous World Choir Games in China,” Dr Matthias said.

“China was a great springboard to the international choral stage, but after Cincinnati the best in the world know who we are and are excited to see more.

“The bar was raised. We went up a division to the champions league and performed strongly. Now we have something to aspire to – winning the next World Choir Games in Latvia 2014.”