CHORUS of Arts and Letters conductor Mark Agpasa bagged first place in the song writing competition for the 150th Anniversary of the Assumption Parish in Truckee, California.
Agpasa’s winning composition, titled “Perfect Harmony,” is a jubilant and joyful piece inspired by the unity and faith of the Church and its community through the lessons and virtues of morality and Christian ethics.
“From the past, present, to the future, the community must be united in sharing and proclaiming the word of God through the Church with the guidance of Mary,” Agpasa told the Varsitarian in an online interview.
In his first composition, Agpasa arranged the orchestral and chorale parts simply so that the piece could be easily and freely performed, sung and adapted.
“It really shows that music is universal and [is] for everyone… I’m a conducting major, and this experience helped me realize that composing pieces, under this light, is not as far off as one may think,” he added.
The competition was organized by the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, to find the theme for the parish’s 150th anniversary in August.
Agpasa graduated from the Conservatory of Music with a degree in choral conducting in 2018. He has been a member of the UST Singers since 2013 and has been their assistant conductor since 2014.
He won “Best Conductor” in last year’s “Himig Tomasino” competition, the annual intercollegiate choir competition organized by the Student Organizations Coordinating Council.
“Perfect Harmony” will be officially released on Feb. 2.
