The Diplomatic Choir of Berlin, in their 21 May benefit concert at western Berlin´s most historic landmark, the Kaiser-Wilhem-Gedächtnis-Kirche, expressed its appreciation to the Philippine Embassy for being their “home”.
Choir Director Barbara Leifer, in her Begrüssung before a 400 strong audience, quipped, “We would like to thank Ambassador Natividad, Ambassador Sta. Maria-Thomeczek and the Philippine Embassy for their kindness and generosity in accommodating the rehearsals of the Diplomatic Choir and for sharing with us two of their talented singers”.
Since the choir was formed in November 2013, it rehearses once a week at the Philippine Embassy. Three weeks after its inception, they premiered at the Berliner Rotes Rathaus during the Benefit Concert in support of Typhoon Haiyan victims in the Philippines. Since then, the choir has been active in performing on several notable occasions, and at the Federal Foreign Office.
The choir is composed of a diverse group, many of whom are diplomats posted in Berlin and officials and staff of the Federal Foreign Office. Ms. Leifer is a Master’s Graduate from the Juilliard School in New York City and a professional opera singer. The Philippine Embassy´s Cultural Attache Mylah Rubio and her husband Tenor Jose Mari Rubio were both members of the University of Santo Tomas Singers before joining the Diplomatic Choir of Berlin.
