
THE Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Moscow proudly announced the successful completion of the Russian leg of the 2025 international concert tour of the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, titled Harmony Across Horizons.
The concert tour was held from May 21 to 25, 2025, with performances in Saint Petersburg and Moscow, marking a significant milestone in the cultural diplomacy of the Philippines and launching the countdown to the 50th anniversary of Philippine–Russian diplomatic relations in 2026.
“As we begin the countdown to 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Russian Federation, this concert tour affirms the enduring power of culture to bring nations closer together. The Philippine Madrigal Singers have once again shown that music is a universal language of peace and friendship,” said H.E. Igor G. Bailen, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Russian Federation.
The Russian tour opened on May 21 with a highly anticipated performance at the Stravinsky Hall of the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg.
The event was followed by a warm and intimate cocktail reception hosted by the Irina Bogacheva Charitable Foundation, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, cultural figures, and the Honorary Consul of the Philippines to Saint Petersburg, Mr. Sergey P. Alekseev.
In Moscow, the Madrigal Singers performed to a full house at the Small Hall of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory on May 23, as part of the Universe of Sound International Music Festival.
The tour culminated in a final concert at the Moscow International House of Music (Dom Muzyki) on May 24, accompanied by a diplomatic reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy in celebration of Philippine–Russian friendship and shared cultural heritage.
In addition to their formal performances, the Madrigal Singers engaged in meaningful cultural exchanges with Russian artists, including an interaction with local choirs from the Saint Petersburg State Conservatory and a special visit to the Ponomaryov Vesna Choir School, where they met with young musicians under the direction of Ms. Nadezhda Averina, Artistic Director of the renowned Vesna Children's Choir.
These encounters allowed for artistic dialogue and underscored the shared values of choral excellence, discipline, and youth development in both countries.
To further enrich their experience, the Embassy partnered with the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg and the Moscow City Tourism Committee to offer the artists curated tours and immersive cultural experiences.
These free visits allowed the singers to appreciate the depth and richness of Russian art, architecture, and heritage—underscoring the shared commitment of both countries to mutual understanding through culture.
Designated as Unesco Artists for Peace, the Philippine Madrigal Singers brought a repertoire that celebrated both Filipino identity and global harmony—featuring sacred music, folk songs, contemporary pop, and songs in Russian and various international languages.
Their performances in Russia reaffirmed the universal power of music to transcend borders and unite peoples.
The Embassy extends its deepest appreciation to the Irina Bogacheva Foundation, the Mariinsky Theatre, the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, and the Moscow International House of Music, as well as the local governments of Saint Petersburg and Moscow, for their generous support and warm hospitality.
The tour was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Moscow, in cooperation with its Russian partners and members of the Filipino community, as part of its cultural diplomacy program. (PR)