THE GLOBALLY acclaimed UST Singers have been recognized as the first Filipino choir to perform at the historical Basilica De Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain.
Under the helm of composer Fidel Calalang Jr., the group took pride in getting the chance to perform in one of the architectural wonders of the world last July as part of their 34th international concert tour.
“We carry the honor of being the first Filipino choir to give a performance there and to be heard by spectators and recognized as Thomasians as we sang praise and worship,” Calalang told the Varsitarian.
Built by Spanish architects Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano and Antoni Gaudí on March 19, 1882, the Basilica de Sagrada Familia stands as a monument to the history of the Christian faith.
“We were all enthusiastic and excited to perform at the Sagrada Familia as this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us UST Singers. We were also a bit nervous because of the acoustics of the colossal structure, but the sound after all turned out excellently,” Calalang said.
The choir performed sacred chorale pieces including Calalang’s composition of “Psalm 100,” European composer Andrej Makor’s “O Magnum Mysterium,” Spanish composer Josu Badiola’s “Cantate Domino” and American composer Ralph Manuel’s “Alleluia.”
The special performance was made possible through the invitation of the group’s long-time supporter, Lourdes Garcia, a Spanish chorale enthusiast and theater actress in Barcelona.
“It is a pure joy and a God-given gift to make music, and music from the heart. We do it for our passion for singing, and for our University and country,” Calalang said.
The UST Singers performed in several historical venues in Europe such as the Cologne Cathedral in Germany and St. Peters Basilica in Rome.
