Although more known for its classical repertoire that has made it the toast of choral festivals in Old Europe, the acclaimed UST Singers is also noted for its Philippine repertoire, which it showed to full effect in a pre-Christmas Original Pilipino Music (OPM) concert, “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” organized by the Bel-Air Makati village.
It was the fourth time for the UST Singers to be invited to the Bel-Air concert, proof that residents of the tony Makati village are appreciative of UST Singers’ brand of musical excellence.
“This concert gives light to the musical side of the Filipino culture,” Prof. Fidel Calalang Jr., UST Singers founder and choral director, told the Varsitarian. “Our blending classic Filipino traditional songs with little pop and modern OPMs are new offerings by the Singers in their four-year participation in this event.”
The 32-member ensemble sang Nitoy Gonzales’ “Ay, ay, ay, O, Pag-ibig!,” Santiago Suarez’s “Sa Libis ng Nayon,” Robert Labayen’s “Piliin mo ang Pilipinas” and the Eraserheads’ classic “Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka.”
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra also participated in the event under the baton of guest conductor Ryan Cayabyab who led them in the rendition of the concert’s titular song by Cayabyab himself titled “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika.”
As a tribute to the guest conductor, Cayabyab’s “Minsan ang Minahal ay Ako” was also performed by the UST Singers.
The concert concluded with Christmas songs “Heto na Naman” and “Pasko na Naman.”
Bel-Air, an enclave of Makati City, has been staging free pre-Christmas concerts since 2006 with the goal of giving a spotlight to music and arts in the community.
