CONTEMPORARY and traditional liturgical music highlighted the 7th Pipe Organ Concert at the Manila Cathedral last Oct. 27.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged faithful to spread the Church’s mission through songs of praise.
“Pagkatapos ng misa, kumanta ka pa rin…pumunta ka sa orphanage ng mga batang na hindi nakakarinig ng awit ng magulang…After the Mass continue your participation; bring Christ to those who are seeking him,” Tagle said.
Fr. Reginald Malicdem, rector of the Manila Cathedral, said the concert was a form of recollection or spiritual activity.
“[This concert is] to remind us that liturgical roles [are not only] to enhance beauty and dignity but also lead people and worship through singing,” Malicdem said during the concert.
This year’s concert, titled “Prayer Through Music,” marked the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s “Musicam Sacram,” published in 1967. The document highlighted the role of music in the liturgy.
The Manila Cathedral Basilica Choir opened the concert with French composer Jacques Berthier’s “Veni Sancte Spiritus,” in Gregorian chant.
Thomasian musical director Jason Borromeo Ros serenaded the crowd with Karl Jenkins’ “Pie Jesu” and John Rutter’s “Look at the World.”
Tagle, the children of Tulay ng Kabataan and the Manila Cathedral – Basilica Choir sang “Hesus Na Aking Kapatid.”
Tota Pulchra es Maria Chorale and award-winning soprano Rachelle Gerodias delighted the crowd with Geoff Bullock’s “Power of Your Love.”
This was followed by Bukas Palad Music Ministry and Hangad Music Ministry, which performed Francisco’s Amare et Service, Tanging Yaman and Sa ‘Yo Lamang.”
The Manila Cathedral Basilica Choir capped the night with a medley of “Only Selfless Love,” “Pananagutan,” and “Tell the World of His Love,” earning a standing ovation from the crowd.
The Pipe Organ Festival, an annual event of the Manila Cathedral, features the country’s biggest pipe organ.
It began in 2006 and ran until 2012 when the cathedral was closed for structural repairs. The festival resumed in 2014.
