Celebrate a successful 2010 International Tour: UPCC's Muling Dating Concert

A successful 19th International Concert Tour

Once again, The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus, under the direction of Prof. Janet Sabas-Aracama successfully brought the rich culture and excellent artistry of its native land to a multitude of captivated international audiences in the United States of America, Germany, and Italy during the group’s 19th International Concert Tour, entitled, "Korus: Paglayon sa 2012" (April 1 - June 11).

The U.P. Concert Chorus, or “Korus,” is one of the first choral groups that were established in the University. Numerous awards and years of experience on tour are just some of their sterling achievements; the UPCC is also proud to have inspired great talents such as composers Edru Abraham and Joel Navarro to become musicians in their own right, as well as established musicians such as National Artist Lucio San Pedro to create masterpieces especially made for them. The Korus celebrates 50 fruitful years as the official State University choir in 2012.

Pioneering Choreographed Choral Singing in the Philippines

In demonstrating its status as the pioneer of choreographed choral singing dubbed as “choreo-capella,” the Korus stands unrivaled not simply because of their vibrant choreography, but because of the spirit that enlivens each and every musical rendition.

The masterful choreography of Mr. Herbert Alvarez captivated the hearts of many as the Korus crooned and swayed to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Rhythm. Filipino audiences longing for a glimpse of their beloved motherland reveled in the nostalgia delivered by Annie Nepomuceno’s "Manila, Manila" and the pop-culture appeal of the more contemporary Apo Hiking Society Medley, arranged by the UPCC’s very own Emmanuel de Leon, Jr.

The UPCC music goes from Classical to Filipiniana, Pop to Broadway

Audiences in the U.S. and Europe alike were enthralled by the Korus’s renditions of sacred and international pieces, such as "O Magnum Mysterium", "Pater Noster", "Daemon Irrepit Callidus", "Caritas et Amor", "The Conversion of Saul", and "Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel".

The Korus displayed the best of Filipino artistry through the haunting children’s song "Dayo Dayo Kupita", the poignant Maguindanaoan chant "Ilay Gandangan", the cheery Visayan folksong "Pasigin", and the socially relevant rock anthem "Tatsulok". Hearty laughs and a burst of applause filled several venues as the group began singing and dancing to one of their most popular songs in their Filipino lineup: the ever-charming "Tong Song".
Bringing a piece of New York closer to Seattle, Portland, the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Washington DC, New Jersey, Germany, and Italy, the UPCC performed such pop and Broadway hits as Fantasia Barrino’s "I Believe", Les Miserables’ "One Day More", "Ain’t No Mountain High", and "Get Happy". The UPCC donned their elegant masks and flipped their white-and-gold fans as they sang The Phantom of the Opera’s "Masquerade". Truly, the audience declared that it was nothing short of spectacular.

Sharing a passion for Music

Korus members delighted in the company of a number of choral groups in Portland , San Francisco Bay Area, New Jersey , and Italy that share the same passion for music. Members of different choirs and even those who simply love to sing attended the group’s choir workshops, listening to every lesson and performing every vocalization technique with enthusiasm. The Korus also spent a few days reliving their childhood in workshops with elementary school children in Casarsa della Delizia, Italy . The members were no match for the energetic youngsters who played their games and performed the prepared activities with glee.

The Korus also basked in the stateliness of the Philippine Embassies in Washington D.C. and Berlin as their courtesy calls were graciously received by no less than Ambassador Willy C. Gaa, Ambassador of the Philippines to the United States, and Ambassador Delia Domingo-Albert, Ambassador of the Philippines to Germany.

Just as they enchanted audiences worldwide, the UPCC was likewise riveted by the world-renowned places they performed in, such as the Ethnologisches Museum and the Berliner Dom in Berlin, the historic tourist destination of Bad Nauheim in Germany, the University of Milan, and one of Venice’s many quaint hotels.

"Muling Dating" a Homecoming Concert

Indeed, the Korus did not embark on this tour only with the passion and dedication to perform tucked in their souls; they also readied their hearts for the reclaiming of old ties, the forging of new friendships, and the opening of minds. The tour was not only a performing mission—it was a mission of spreading the brand of love, joy, friendship, and culture that characterizes the Filipino people.

Come and see for yourselves at the U.P. CONCERT CHORUS’ Homecoming Concert MULING DATING 2010, on July 30 at half-past seven in the evening, at the PHILAMLIFE AUDITORIUM, U.N. Avenue , Manila .

Tickets are at P200. Senior Citizens and Students get 20% discount, and groups of 10 get 25% discount. For ticket reservations and/or inquiries, contact 0916-445-3560, 0939-676-7989 or 0922-858-0608.