USC Choristers at 40

The USC Choristers is the official singing group of the University of San Carlos composed of college students who are enrolled in the different courses of the academe. The Choristers aim to promote cultural awareness through its wide range of songs and likewise hopes to inculcate the appreciation of fine arts among the students.

Since its birth in 1965, the group has performed frequently and has held many concerts. Under the baton of the late Prof. Ricardo G. Narciso,Jr. the group has garnered respect not only locally, but on the national scene as well. Now, under the leadership of Roberto "Obette" del Rosario, the group is on the same path, and has been training and performing constantly.

Last January 21, 2006, The USC Choristers commemorated their 40th year of existence by staging a concert at the USC Cultural Center dubbed "Singing is Life" The concert is also in line with the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the SVD and at the same time a tribute to the choir's longtime conductor and mentor, Prof. Ricardo G. Narciso, Jr.

With the full backing and support of the SVD Fathers and the USC Administration, the Choristers presented an array of repertoire ranging from Religious/Classical, Filipino/Cebuano, and Pop/Broadway songs, including Mozart's Alleluja (from "Exultate Jubilate"), a medley from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera," Ryan Cayabyab's "Paraiso," Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus," to name a few.

The Peace Philharmonic Orchestra, also under Obette Del Rosario, accompanied the USC Choristers and at the same time provided a musical number during the video presentation of the past to present SVD Fathers who helped mold the school to what it is today.

As part of the tribute to Prof. Ricardo G. Narciso, Jr., former members of the USC Choristers (Chorister Alumni) joined hands with the current members on stage for some songs. The alumni also performed some of Prof. Narciso's musical piece as intermission numbers throughout the concert.

The USC Choristers' movement and blocking were choreographed and directed by the respected and equally gifted Doy Arradaza, who lent his talent to the group in order to display an artistic interpretation of the songs presented.

Joining the support group include, among others, Chorister alumni Albert "Bing" Lim, and Bal Ynclino.

The show was oozing with intense performance and vocal acrobatics. But unlike traditional choir concerts, the show was injected with technical and artistic inspiration to blend with modern times.

As the USC Choristers marks a new beginning, the show proved to be a true expression of musical art.