The Philippine Madrigal Singers celebrate 60 years

The Philippine Madrigal Singers or the Madz is now 60 years old. More than 60, in fact, it is currently on a year-long celebration of its six decades of existence.

It was in 1963 when singer and arranger and future National Artist for Music Andrea Veneracion put together a group of teachers and students from the University of the Philippines College of Music to specifically perform madrigals. The madrigal is a type of secular choral music with poetic lyrics performed a cappella and characterized by beautiful harmonies. It was very popular during the Renaissance period.

As we know now, that little choir grew up into the most popular and most admired group of singers ever assembled in the Philippines. Under the guidance of Veneracion, who was lovingly referred to as Ma’am OA, The Madz enthralled music lovers all over the world with its expressive vocals and masterful handling of harmonies. The group distinguished itself by winning top prizes in the most prestigious choral competitions. Among these were the 1996 International Choral Competition in Tolosa, Spain and the 1997 European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in Tours, France.

The Madz continued to excel with madrigals but had over the years branched out to include, classical, jazz, pop and other types of music in its repertoire. This decision to diversify has resulted in utterly entertaining shows which brings in crowds of music lovers whenever and wherever the choir performs. Take note too that the University of the Philippines is not carried anymore by the Madz. Not that UP has dropped the Madz or vice-versa but because the Philippine Madrigal Singers now belongs to the whole Philippines and not just to UP.

Ma’am OA passed away on July 9, 2013, eight years after she suffered a stroke. As with all National Artists, she is now resting in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. She left the Madz in the hands of the very able choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio whom she handpicked before she was taken ill. She must be very pleased with her choice, knowing that Carpio continues to steer the group towards victories in European music competitions and in successful international tours. It is Carpio as artistic director who led the Madz, alumni and present members, through their paces for the album that commemorates the past 60 years.

The album is titled “The Sound of Sixty Years, A Homecoming Celebration by The Philippine Madrigal Singers.” This was recorded at the Tanghalang Ignacio Jimenez or the Blackbox Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The tracks included are a mix of well-loved concert favorites in French, German, Spanish, English and other languages or dialects from the group’s success-filled repertoire.

My favorites are the Tagalog songs. The Madz makes these sound heavenly when performed madrigal style. The cuts are Ang Aking Bituin (O Ilaw) arranged by Lucio San Pedro; Dahil sa Iyo by Miguel Velarde Jr. and Dominador Santiago arranged by Fabian Obispo and the Ilongo lullaby, Ili-Ili Tulog Anay, arranged by Priscilla Magdamo. Then as always the Prayer of St. Francis by Allen Pote, as arranged here by Robert Delgado comes off as most heartfelt and beautiful.

Others included are In These Delightful, Pleasant Groves by Henry Purcell; Chi La Gagliqrda by Baldassare Donato; Il Est Bel Et Bon by Pierre Passereau; Hoy Comamos y Bedamos by Juan del Encina; Wohlauf, Ihr Gaste by Erasmus Widmann Jr.; Mamayog Akun also arranged by Obispo; Iddem-dem Mallida arranged by Elmo Makil; Alleluia by Randall Thompson; L’important C’est la Rose by Louis Amade and Gilbert Becaud and arranged by Magdangal de Leon; and Love is the Answer by Raymond Hannisian.