Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival: A tribute and a legacy

Time flew, fast. It has been two years since the first ever international choral competition took place at the CUltural Center of the Philippines. And I am proud to have been part of it.

Now, two years after, the second competition happens right on the month when the honoree commemorates her birth and passing on. As I type this, we remember her second birthday in heaven, two days before her actual birth date.

This year’s competition happens on the third week of July, from the 22nd to the 25th. Just as it’s about to close on the 25th, the nation will be celebrating the National Week of Filipino Music. Such a great tribute!

And as for its second season, the competition is a legacy, a beautiful one left by the honoree, Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion, Ma’am OA to many, one of the pillars of Filipino choral music. Through her legacy of excellence as founding choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the legions of choristers its members and alumni have trained, the Singing Philippines have reached a realization.

Competing for the second competition are six choirs from Indonesia, Italy, and Mexico, and ten Filipino choirs, vying for prizes in three categories, which are Folk Music, Chamber Choir, and Vocal Ensemble. The jury is composed of five of the best names in the choral world: Brady Allred (I once took a conducting masterclass under him back when I was pregnant), Janis Liepnis (who handles Kamer, a two-time European Grand Prix for Choral Singing winner like the Madz), Silvana Vallesi (yay for female conductors! She conducts the Coro Universitario de Mendoza in Argentina), Andre Van der Merwe (famous conductor of youth choirs in South Africa), and Mark Carpio of the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

To celebrate Filipino culture and music, the competition will premiere the obligatory piece commissioned by the CCP for the Chamber Choir category, entitled “Ang Tren,” a setting of Filipino literary giant Jose Corazon de Jesus’ poem, music composed by young award-winning composer Saunder Choi.

It’s always a learning experience watching competitions, that’s why if you are a choral conductor or chorister, you should watch this. An international level of competition right in our own land!

Watch this video to learn more about the competition.

If you’re a student or a chorister who would want to watch, email choralfestmnl2015(at)gmail(dot)com to inquire on how to avail of the 50% discount. And since the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are free and open to all, see you there!

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ANDREA O. VENERACION INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL

July 22-25, 2015

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

Wednesday, July 22, 2015:

5:00 PM Opening Ceremonies;
7:00 PM Folk Song Competiton

Thursday, July 23, 2015:
7:00 PM Vocal Ensemble Competition

Friday, July 24, 2015:
7:00 PM Chamber Choir Competition

Saturday, July 25, 2015:
4:00 PM Philippine Madrigal Singers Gala Concert
7:00 PM Awarding & Closing Ceremonies

Ticket Prices: P800, P700, P500, P300 (all competitions and
Madrigal Singers concert) 50% discount for students & choirs who want to watch

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: FREE/OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For ticket inquiries/reservations please email choralfestmnl2015@gmail.com

Website: http://culturalcenter.gov.ph/single-tickets/view-event/?id=44829225