Light of the North Choral Festival 2024: Celebrating Filipino Musical Excellence
- Saint Louis University-Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU-CCA) held the first Light of the North Choral Festival and Competition on 30 November 2024 at Fr.
- It offered choirs a chance to demonstrate musical skills and build connections.
- The choirs presented diverse repertoires, highlighting Filipino musicality.
Saint Louis University-Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU-CCA) held the first Light of the North Choral Festival and Competition on 30 November 2024 at Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM, CCA Theater, Saint Louis University. Fifteen choirs from across the country participated, showcasing their musical talents.
The event featured judges Tristan C. Ignacio, Anthony Go Villanueva, and Mark Anthony A. Carpio. It offered choirs a chance to demonstrate musical skills and build connections.
Highlights of the Festival
The choirs presented diverse repertoires, highlighting Filipino musicality. Notable performances included:
- Bataan Choral Artists from Balanga City, conducted by Joven Aguirre Magbanua, performed “Crixifixus for 8 Voices” by A. Lotti and “Three Kalinga Chants” by Nilo Alca.
- University of Baguio Voices Chorale, led by John Glenn Gaerlan, showcased “Ili-Ili” by Ily Maniano and “Pal-so-song: 8 Laughing Voices” by Hyo-Won Woo.
- Adamson University Chorale performed “Ave Maria” by Kevin Memley and “Marcos 10:14” by Ily Maniano under John Rufiel Aniceto.
- Baguio Central University Chamber Choir, directed by Jomard Calamba, delivered “Mate Saule” by Peter Vask and “Nativitas” by John August Pamintuan.
Other participating choirs included the Pangasinan State University Himig Ensemble, Bicol Voices Chorale, Coro Callé, M.E.S.S.I.A.H., Tarlac Männerchor, Nueva Ecija Singing Ambassadors, and the RTU GAAI Singers. Each performed pieces showcasing their artistic expression.
Acknowledging the Winners
The festival concluded with the awarding of prizes. The top three choirs were:
- Champion: Far Eastern University Chorale
- First Runner-Up: Tarlac Männerchor
- Second Runner-Up: University of Baguio Voices Chorale
Mr. Suarez, conductor of the FEU Chorale, expressed gratitude for their win, appreciating the support from the judges and the event organizers.
The festival honored choral music by bringing together choirs from different backgrounds. It emphasized music education and cultural exchange, fostering community and collaboration among participants.
Mrs. Pablico, Chairman of the Festival, reflected on the event’s success, emphasizing unity among choirs over competition.
Conclusion
The Light of the North Choral Festival and Competition was a successful event for the community and the Filipino choral landscape. It promoted inclusivity and mutual respect in the artistic community.