WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Philippine Madrigal Singers has once again captured the hearts of its international audience, this time at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle on September 21, Thursday.
More than 400 guests from the Washington community gave their thunderous applause throughout the performance. The concert was part of the group’s 2017 Concert Tour of the United States of America.
A news release shared that the show was co-sponsored by the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the US-Philippines Society. The US Concert Tour of the Philippine Madrigal Singers aims to help nurture Philippine culture and arts while promoting a culture of peace through music.
The free concert was a way “to promote Philippine music and Filipino musical talent to the DC community, as well as to encourage aid to those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in the United States and the Caribbean.”
Minister Patrick Chuasoto, the Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires shared during the post-concert reception held at the Philippine Chancery Annex building: “The Philippines is no stranger to deadly storms. Our country experiences an average of 20 typhoons a year, not to mention torrential monsoon rains that cause widespread flooding. We are very familiar with scenes that are coming out of Houston and the Caribbean.”
“But all through these disasters, the communities here in the United States have stood in solidarity with the Philippines, giving generously of their time, effort, talent, and resources, to help our kababayans get back on their feet. This is why the Philippine Embassy is much honored to be co-sponsoring the benefit concert of the Philippine Madrigal Singers in Washington, D.C.”
The President of the US-Philippines Society, Ambassador John Maisto, noted that it was the second time in five years that the Society hosted the choral group, the first being in May 2013.
Ambassador Maisto remarked, “It’s my job to tell you what a pleasure it is to have you here because you represent the best in Philippine culture.”
Earlier, the Philippine Madrigal Singers also participated as the guest choir at the Eucharistic celebration of the feast day of St. Matthew, upon the kind invitation of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.
Under the musical direction of Mark Anthony Carpio, the Madz gave an exemplary rendition of religious songs in the various styles of renaissance, classical, and Filipino music.
During the choir’s stay in the Washington D.C., it was also heartening to know that the bayanihan spirit was also alive as some Filipino families hosted Madz members in their homes.
The Madz is a UNESCO Artist for Peace and the first Filipino ensemble to receive the Brand Laureate Premier Award for Excellence.