The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Singers´ concert at the historical Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedaechtniskirche was graced by an appreciative 600-strong audience who rewarded the artists with ovations.
In his remarks, Minister and Consul Adrian Elmer Cruz congratulated the UST Singers for making the Philippines proud as one of the country´s renowned ambassadors of music and assured the enthusiastic crowd that they would be treated to a showcase of Philippine artistry at its best.
The two-time Choir of the World Pavarotti Trophy winners presented a repertoire of exceptional interpretations that included sacred, spiritual, international, folk and popular music. Their guest choir, the Diplomatic Choir of Berlin, headed by its Director Ms. Barbara Leifer, complemented the evening by singing spirituals and international songs. To cap the evening, both choirs sang “Paraiso” by Ryan Cayabyab, arranged by Prof. Fidel Gener Calalang Jr.
Founded in 1992, the University of Santo Tomas Singers, under the baton of its founder and conductor Prof. Fidel Gener Calalang Jr., is the University’s premiere mixed choral ensemble composed of a select group of students and alumni representing the different colleges and faculties of Asia’s oldest university. The choir has completed twenty six (26) international concert tours in twenty three (23) prolific years of national and international recognition, winning over 75 top prizes, making them one of the world’s best choirs.
