Musicians, vocalists and choristers from the University of the Philippines came together in a virtual performance to honor of the medical and healthcare workers, the frontliners, and the ordinary Filipino people battling against a global pandemic and socio-economic uncertainty.
In a project dubbed “Alay sa Sambayanang Pilipino sa Panahon ng Agam-Agam”, the UP Symphony Orchestra (UPSO), led by Maestro Josefino “Chino” Toledo, brought together various artists and UP choirs to perform “Maghintay Lang, Kaluluwa at Diwa,” an adaptation of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia (Op. 26), with lyrics from Psalm 46 translated into Filipino by Toledo, and arrangement and orchestration by the same.
Performers included vocalists Michelle Mariposa (alto), Malvin Macasaet (tenor) and Stefanie Quintin (soprano), and the UP Madrigal Singers. The chorus consisted of members and representatives of the UP Concert Chorus, the UP Staff Chorale, Auit Vocal Ensemble, and UP Chorus Classes from the UP College of Music. Including the members of the UPSO, the group consisted of over a hundred individuals, all performing or singing remotely and practicing social distancing, yet coming together in a stirring tribute to hope, faith, and the Filipino spirit in a time of unprecedented darkness.
View the video, which was uploaded on the UPSO’s Facebook page on April 19.
The UPSO is the official system-wide orchestra of UP. Founded on August 30, 2018, the UPSO is supported by the UP System and hosted by the UP College of Music. The orchestra consists of 65 members coming from within the UP community, including alumni, students, faculty and staff from all UP campuses. It functions as a training ground for both composers and musicians, and as a representative not only of the University but also of the country on the worldwide stage.
“Alay sa Sambayanang Pilipino sa Panahon ng Agam-Agam” was supported by the UP Office of the President, the Office of the UP Diliman Chancellor, the UP College of Music through Dean LaVerne de la Pena, the heads of the various performing choirs, and Mr. Paul Cyril Torrente.
(This was originally posted on the UP System website on May 4, 2020)