A rousing performance

THE music and magic of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, one of the best choirs in the world, performed in Davao City last March 4 and 5.

The world-renowned choir vowed the Davao audience with a rousing evening of entertainment, as part of their 50th year Anniversary Outreach Concert Tour.

The event is a series of command performances presented by SM City Annex and SM Lanang Premier and participated by different school-based choral groups in the city.

The two-night only performances made a stunning appeal to music lovers who want to witness a world-class talent. Many aficionados and devoted fans of the UP Madrigal Singers who looked forward to their musical virtuosity, technical proficiency and soulful singing were not at all dismayed.

With a highly eclectic repertoire - from Renaissance Madrigal music to the avant-garde, from Filipino and international folksongs to the latest pop hits, even from the most cerebral choral masterpieces to the most humorous of novelty numbers - this world-class choir can sing anything with authenticity and professionalism while keeping their audience thoroughly entertained.

The concert was also in conjunction with Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio's drive to impart tips and workshops to choral groups, to help encourage them to reach their potential.

All 86 voices who attended the workshop took home certificates and had a rare chance to sing with the Philippine Madrigal Singers in their most applauded number, "Iisang Bangka" and "One Voice."

As always, the opening number was a rousing rendition of "Lupang Hinirang," with the audience standing in tribute.

The actual concert kicked off with five choral group ensembles playing alternately, the Ateneo Carillion Glee Club (Inday sa Balitaw), UP Mindanao Koro Kantahanay (Tequiero), St. Mary's College (Pusong Bato), Usep Choral (Manag Biday) and St. Joseph Choral Ensemble (Love Is The Answer).

The vast majority of the audience knew the concert's repertoire, they connected instantly to the songs that it's not unusual to see the audience let out a cheer and demanding more numbers.

The UP Madrigal Singer's technique was clean and unhurried, a testimony to its nearly 50 years as a performing musician. The precision of playing and tight harmonies looked effortless as the band wound up and down through songs like "Very Special Love" and "In the Mood."

Exciting music? Oh, yes and the musicians were at their finest. (Stephanie Mae M. Tujan)

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