THE ANNUAL UST Christmas Concert entered its second decade on December 5 as a benefit event for victims of super yphoon "Yolanda" in the Visayas.
On its 11th year, the concert’s proceeds, according to organizers, will all go to the typhoon victims rather than the usual beneficiaries—the hertiage conservation program of the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences and the scholarship program of the Conservatory of Music.
The event began with a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony led by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P., and event chairpersons Maricris Zobel and UST Museum Director Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P.
Headlining the concert was singer Dulce, who belted her own rendition of J. Peterson's "Night of Miracles" (A Christmas Cantata).
Homegrown performers included two-time Choir of the World UST Singers under conductor Fidel Calalang, Coro Tomasino, and Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, who sang all-time favorite Christmas songs.
Meanwhile, the UST Symphony Orchestra accompanied tenor Christian Nagaño and sopranos Micah Galang, Pilar Ramos and Frances Leoncito in “Lord’s Prayer” and “Carol of the Bells.” All of the them are students or alumni of
the Conservatory of Musi, as was Stephanie Aguilar
The Hail Mary the Queen Children's Choir also performed some Christmas classics under the baton of Theresa Roldan.
Zobel said that in the five years of spearheading the annual event, every year felt like it would be her last. "It is very humbling and inspiring to see so much talent in this university so if there's no one else to accept the job, I'll be here next year," Zobel said.
