IT WILL BE A NIGHT with “the most beautiful sound on Earth,” as the Philippine Madrigal Singers take the stage at the First United Methodist Church in Pasadena on Nov. 14.
An ensemble of students, faculty and alumni from the University of the Philippines, the Philippine Madrigal Singers perform a wide variety of music genres, according to the group’s Web site. Ranging from classical to contemporary and international to popular music, this choir inspires and amazes with their repertoire of styles.
The concert will be performed in a unique setting, as the singers will be seated in a semi-circle on stage without a conductor. In this atmosphere, the audience will experience an intimate fellowship of music and song.
The Philippine Madrigal Singers were first formed in 1963 by Professor Andrea O. Veneracion recepient of the 1999 National Artist Award for Music. While pursuing a master’s degree at University of Indiana in the US, she came upon a capella and Renaissance-style singing. When she returned to the Philippines, she formed an ensemble that is now the famous Philippine Madrigal Singers.
The group has won numerous prizes throughout the years and became the first in the world to win the European Grand Prix of Choral Singing twice – the first in 1997 and then in 2007.
In addition, the choir was recently designated with a UNESCO Artists for Peace award in July. The director-general of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura, presented the award during a special ceremony before the group’s concert at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. According to Sony Music Philippines, “the Philippine Madrigal singers received this distinction ‘in recognition of their efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among peoples in Southeast Asia, their contribution to extend UNESCO’s message of peace and tolerance, and their dedication to the ideals and aims of the Organization.’”
The group is an international sensation, performing two overseas tours each year. They travel to assorted areas around the globe, performing in places such as town halls or basketball courts. No matter the venue, the choir is always ready to share the gift of music.
Professor Andrea Veneracion passed on her legacy to its present choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio. He has been with the choir since 2001 and has had a strong love of music and performance since his youth. A piano major at the University of the Philippines, Carpio graduated with honors in 1992. He returned to the school as a faculty member in the College of Music and under his direction, the Philippine Madrigal Singers continue to grow in success and esteem.
The Philippine Madrigal Singers will perform at 5 p.m. Nov. 14 at the First United Methodist Church, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101. For tickets and more information, call Lalaine Soriano at (323)934-1481, Ely Soriano at (213)447-9900, Lucy Toriaga at (310)818-9675 or Edith Lazarte at (310)808-0583.
Information also provided by www.philippinemadrigalsingers.com.
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