First of 3 Parts: Highlights, Sidelights of UV Chorale concert tour in Australia

Incredible. Wonderful. Inspiring. These were just some of the superlatives I had encountered after interviewing audiences—young and old, professionals and students, fellow Filipinos and foreigners alike—who watched the World Youth Day-themed concert tour of the University of the Visayas Chorale in Sydney and New South Wales, which culminated in an exclusive performance at the International Cardinals Luncheon last July 19.

It was the UV Chorale's third concert tour on the invitation of Bethlehem Communities Australia, a not-for-profit group, led by Mr. Ron Natoli, which has done noteworthy pro-poor projects in Cebu (more on BCA in another story). The UV Chorale was accompanied by its very supportive UV executive vice-president, Dr. Jose "Dodong" Gullas, who founded the group in 1999, and his wife, Mrs. Nena Gullas, who is the chorale's manager. 

The UV Chorale kicked off its tour with a concert at Parramatta City plus performances in Sydney churches and schools. The second part was the 10-day regional tour that brought them to various areas in New South Wales, covering a total of 3,500 kilometers on board a luxury coach. Making up the last part of the tour were performances during WYD week's music festivals wherein they were the only Filipino performing group featured.

I was witness to how hectic the group's schedule was, having as many as two major shows a day. During the regional tour, they would be up and moving by 7am, considering that "everything is far in Australia," or as the locals say. When pressed for time, they would manage to change costumes, put on make-up, and vocalize inside the coach.

During WYD week, they would have three performances in one day. Last July 17, they sang at the Mary MacKillop memorial chapel, St. Aloysius College and the Domain. Since they did not have time to change clothes in between, plus many roads in Sydney were closed to traffic, they didn't mind walking (costumes, heels and all) together with some "fans" tagging along to their next show.

For such a young group made up of high school and college students, they've proven to be very professional. I've never heard a word of complaint from them about being weary of it all-even as some of them had to combat colds and coughs caused by the winter climate. I guess this is one of the reasons why the group's internationally-awarded and world-class. "They have so much joy and energy in performing," as one bishop told me in an interview.

But what was more impressive during their tour was that they were able to win audiences through sheer talent and passion for music, and not like, perhaps, several of the TV/movie personalities from Manila whom I've covered who have merited attention with a lot of help from media machinery and mileage.

I met WYD delegates from Venezuela, Canada, among others, following the chorale from venue to venue. I received special treatment (i.e. being asked to sign the group's CDs) thinking I'm a member of the choir. I saw people crying, laughing and generally feeling overwhelmed over its repertoire which included Cebuano love and folk songs. Beautiful music, indeed, knows no race, age and boundaries.

On this page are photos of the high points and behind-the-scenes of the first part of the UV Chorale's successfully-concluded concert tour in the land down under.