The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Philippine Madrigal Singers (MADZ) welcome the second batch of choristers for the 2016 Sing Philippines Youth Choir (SPYC). The latest batch, selected out of the 140 applications received from all over the country, will participate in a music camp at the CCP. The music camp will run from May 31 to June 4 and will culminate with a concert of the Philippine Madrigal Singers at the CCP Main Theater on June 5.
Launched in June 2014 by the MADZ and the CCP through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED), the SPYC featured fifty (50) singers from fifteen (15) regions across the country who underwent a week-long professional music camp under MADZ choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio. The Sing Philippines movement brings to life National Artist and MADZ founder Andrea O. Veneracion’s vision of a nation singing in harmony and united in songs.
For 2016, another set of singers from the local communities will be given the opportunity to advance their music skills and contribute to the propagation of choral music in the country. This year’s members come from 26 areas to include Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Tarlac, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Baguio and Bicol in Luzon. The choral singers from Visayas are from the province of Capiz, Cebu, Bohol and Leyte. And from Mindanao, the singers hail from Pagadian, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Lanao del Norte, Davao, Tagum, Koronadal, Cotabato and Agusan del Norte. The National Capital Region participants are from Pasig and Quezon City.
The SPYC 1st Batch will also be gathered to sing with new batch and the MADZ. Since they were organized, the SPYC Batch 2014 performed again at the CCP Main Theater last July 25, 2015 for the MADz Concert and the Closing Program of the 2nd AOV International Choral Festival. The members expressed the same excitement even after a year they have been gathered together. Their unforgettable experiences during the 2014 choral training have inspired them even more to continue their love and passion for music and the arts.
The participants’ message for the MADZ and the CCP affirms the vision of Prof. Veneracion. “Thank you for the music,” says Pauline Arejola of Laguna and they “continue to inspire more people, more musicians.”
“To the PMS, thank you for the opportunity to sing with you, according to Samuel Acosta, Jr. of Isabela, “it’s a life changing experience that I will treasure forever.”
For Elaine Jessa Tolentino of Bacolod, “being an SPYC member is such a wonderful experience.”
Michelle Erfe of South Cotabato is thankful for this opportunity, calling it “a great experience that I will never forget. Thank you MADZ for touching our lives, with your music and simplicity.”
Sherberk Cabrales of Ilocos Sur wishes the Madz to “continue empowering young Filipino artists. “Rest assured we will be instrumental in realizing the vision of MADZ and the CCP.”
Nathan Kim Mosot of Iligan is proud “to be singing with the MADZ” and calls the rest of the SPYC “priceless!”
For more information about the SPYC, contact the CCP Cultural Exchange Department at (+632) 832-1125 locals 1708 and 1709.
