Staple classical music and contemporary popular tunes like American band Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” were performed by the UST Conservatory of Music and highlighted the 31st “Sampung Mga Daliri” concert at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo at the Cultural Center of the Philippines last November 22.
The annual concert showcased its trademark of 10 grand pianos on stage and performances by ensembles like: the UST Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Coro Tomasino, Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, Chrous Class, USTe Mundo, Jazz, Guitar, Rondalla, Percussion and Musical Theater Ensembles, and Extension Program. Aside from classical and contemporary hits, the concert performed “It’s Always A Good Time,” by band Owl City. It likewise featured the “Zumba Medley.”
Students, faculty members and alumni dressed as different anime characters performed for the “Tokyo Skies Anime Medley,” which featured the famous “Voltes 5” theme song.
Among the classical standards performed were “Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major” by Jonathan Bach, “Variations on a Theme of Paganini” by Witold Lutoslawski, and “Hoedown” by Aaron Copland.
Also rendered was “Sister Act Medley,” inspired by the 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg. Included in the medley was “Salve Regina” and the pop song, “I Will Follow Him.”
A compelling sight for the audience was the performance of the “Danse Maccabre” by Saint-Saens.
The concert ended with a nostalgic performance of the Walt Disney Medley Finale, featuring songs such as “A Whole New World,” “Reflection” and “Part of Your World.”
The crowd then gave a thunderous standing ovation to a magnificent rendition of “Be Our Guest” by the whole ensemble.
UST Music Dean Raul Sunico and Regent Fr. Jose Ma. Tinoko later awarded Assoc. Prof.Apolonia Guilang with a Lifetime Achievement award because of her many years in service concluded by her retirement because of health problems.
Sunico wrote in a message for the event: “An annual concert of the UST Conservatory of Music, it is a great opportunity for the school to highlight its many talents, many of whom will be the leading musicians of tomorrow.”
Fr. Tinoko expressed thanks at the longevity of the concert series.
“That it [Sampung Mga Daliri] has lasted this long is because of its ability to entertain, to inspire, and to delight. For more than three decades, it has gained faithful clientele which never ceases to be enthralled by its music, its performers, and its versatility.”
