The Madz after the Grand Prix

Just in case you already have your fill of rock, pop and whatever pop acts around in the local concert scene then you might want to spend this Sunday evening, Sept. 7, with the Philippine Madrigal Singers in More Than Madrigals. Fondly referred to as Madz, the internationally renowned group was the first choir to win the Grand Prix twice in the history of the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in Arezzo, Italy. You may now find out why this happened by watching the Madz’s one-night only performance at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

As the title More Than Madrigals clearly says, the concert will have a repertoire of varied forms including popular opera pieces and overtures, selections from Broadway musicals and other songs. If I remember right, the reason why the Madz was founded by National Artist Andrea Veneracion at the University of the Philippines was for a local choir to specialize in madrigals. These are songs performed in secular musical style without musical accompaniment that dates back to the Renaissance period in 16th century Europe. However, the singing turned out so beautiful and the Filipino Madz grew to be so successful that its repertoire was expanded to include other types of songs.

I do not know if the Madz still sings madrigals, it would be a pity if they do not anymore. It would really be a pity if there are not any included in the More Than Madrigals song line-up. But even if there aren’t, the audience will still be assured of an evening of truly beautiful music. The concert has outstanding Madz alumni as featured guests. They are Ma. Cristina Viguilla-Navarro, coloratura soprano; Jonathan Zaens, bass baritone; and Marijo Palencia, soprano. Tickets are available at Ticketworld 891-9999 and the CCP Box Office 832-3704.

Speaking of awards from foreign choral competitions, here is good news from Ed Manguiat about another singing group the Philippines should be proud of. The University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors (UPSA) won both the Grand Prize and the First Prize at the Neuchatel Choral Competition in Switzerland. And that is not all, the UPSA has already reaped a total of two Grand Prizes, seven First Prizes, three Third Prizes and three Grand Finals Qualifications during its present tour among music competitions in Europe. These are from the Mundus Cantat in Sopot, Poland; the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in Debrecen, Hungary; the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales; and the Florilege de Tours Choral Competition in Tours, France.

Third Eye Blind rocks

Then there is a big treat in store for those of you who might be at the Ortigas area tonight. The talented American rock band Third Eye Blind will be performing right on San Miguel Ave., Third Eye Blind is known for hits like Jumper, How Is It Going to Be, Losing a Whole Year and Semi-Charmed Life. The concert will kick off this year’s long and biggest Oktoberfest celebration.