Thursday, August 19, 2004 Serna: UC Chorus celebrates 25th year with ‘Rhapsody’ concert series By Roger Serna Sounds & Images
Last week, I had the chance to look back to the days when I was struggling to earn a college diploma (almost ending up with two) when two invitations dropped on my lap. It came from people connected with the two universities that had been part of that quest for knowledge.
First was the press conference at the University of Cebu for the 25th anniversary concert of the UC Chorus. The other one was the invitation to watch the Star Search Siglakas week (we’ll discuss this next time).
A bit of nostalgia struck me as I walked down the halls of the two academic institutions. Yes, I too had my share of wonderful memories.
Helen Grace and Raymund Abao, the husband-and-wife team who treats the UC Chorus as an extended family (as choreographer and director, respectively), are in the forefront of the celebration as well as in the presscon.
Founded by then English teacher Paulino Yabao (before going full-time in lawyering), then high school principal Erlinda Barcelo and Raymund, then high a school stude, the group evolved from a mere glee club to being the school’s official choir.
Twenty-five years later and a string of awards, both in and out of the academic circuit and in the region to boot, UC Chorus has become one of the most visible school choirs around town (it’s a favorite of the Cebu Provincial Government during special occasions).
To reminisce over its climb to where it is now, the UC Chorus stages Rhapsody in Silver in a two weekend concert series (with one slated on Sept. 10). Starting tonight and till Saturday, Aug. 21, and on Aug. 26-28, the group will dish out a repertoire of old-time faves, movie and Broadway songs, pop and R&B.
The varied repertoire of the group is considered by choir director Abao as one of the aces up its sleeves. Daily rehearsals, with or without commitments, make the group just breeze through the lined-up repertoire.
Alumni of the chorus who have gained local and national prominence include Charmie Dacua (who won in a TV singing tilt hosted by Regine Velasquez); Joy Gonazales-Cabrera, who once was part of local bands before concentrating on family matters; Analee Sol (she was a standout in a Cebu Pop Music Fest outing) and, yes, the famous Stagecrew.
Joy and Stagecrew’s charming vocalist (charming daw, o!) Rommel Tuico will join the concert series with other alumni who are either joining onstage or behind the scenes. Also joining on stage are the 35-member UC Symphony Orchestra, UC Bantawang Kabataan Dance Troupe and the UC Dance Company.
Rhapsody in Silver will be staged at the Cebu Coliseum this weekend on two timeslots (3 p.m. and 7p.m.). Next weekend’s schedule will be at the E-Mall Cinematheque 1 with the following timeslots: Aug. 26 – 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Aug. 27 – 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and Aug. 28 – 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. (for sponsors and other special guests).
The Sept. 10 show will be held at the Grand Convention Center at 4 p.m. Such a long list, huh!
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