THE UST Singers performed their classic repertoire at a chorale festival that gathered ensembles from top Philippine universities at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium of De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila on March 16.
Joining the UST Singers at the “Saliw Lasalyano” concert were the University of the Philippines (UP) Singing Ambassadors, DLSU Chorale, and Ateneo College Glee Club.
They each performed compositions that ranged from classic Original Pilipino Music to Gospel songs.
UST Singers president Maria Manalili said the event was an avenue for the collegiate ensembles to showcase their talents and learn from one another.
“It was rare for the DLSU Chorale, Ateneo College Glee Club, UP Singing Ambassadors, and UST Singers to perform on a single stage, and I believe we were able to give the audience a good show,” Manalili told the Varsitarian.
“We also learned a lot from each other, from the way the festival was handled to the way each song was interpreted,” she added. “The festival was not only a feast for the senses but it was also a learning experience for everyone.”
The UST Singers opened their set with a rendition of “Surge Illuminare,” a piece by Indian composer Budi Susanto whose text was adopted from a the Biblical book of Isaiah.
This was followed by performances of “Agnus Dei” by Cuban composer and conductor Ernesto Herrera, and the African-American spiritual song, “Way Over in Beulah Lan’” by Stacey Gibbs.
The ensemble also treated the crowd with their signature chorale adaptation of “Plink, Plank, Plunk” by Leroy Anderson, which was arranged for choir by Asst. Prof. Fidel Calalang Jr., conductor and founder of the UST Singers.
Capping the set was the group’s rendition of “Wheels of a Dream” from the award-winning musical “Ragtime.”
DLSU Chorale member Dana Guillarte, one of the organizers of “Saliw Lasalyano,” said the event aimed to “foster camaraderie” among the ensembles and feature the artistry of chorale performances.
“The inspiration behind bringing together renowned chorale groups from the ‘Big 4’ universities stemmed from a desire to celebrate the rich chorale tradition and talent present in these esteemed institutions,” she told the Varsitarian.
“By uniting these distinguished groups, we aimed to elevate the choral landscape, promote collaboration, and inspire excellence within the collegiate choral community,” she added.
“Saliw Lasalyano” was the second chorale festival organized by the DLSU Chorale that gathered ensembles from universities across the Philippines.
