UST holds Christmas concert for Yolanda relief

MANILA, Philippines - The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Christmas Concert Gala, the most-awaited musical event on campus, will be held on Dec. 5, 6 p.m., at the UST Chapel.

Now on its 11th year, the Christmas Concert Gala has contributed to charitable causes particularly the heritage conservation efforts of the university and the scholarship fund of the Conservatory of Music. This year, organizers decided to donate proceeds to the victims of typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas. Spearheading the benefit concert are the UST Rector, Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. and the UST Christmas Concert Gala chairpersons — Fr. Isidro C. Abaño, O.P., UST museum director, and art patroness Maricris C. Zobel. 

For this year, homegrown talents of the University will take center stage.

Guest performers include Dulce, who will do a rendition of J. Peterson’s Night of

Miracles (A Christmas Cantata) and a duet with her son, David Cruz of A. Adam’s O Holy Night.

Two-time Choir of the World Champion, UST Singers under the baton of Prof. Fidel Calalang Jr., as well as the first Children’s Choir of the World Champion, Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir conducted by Theresa V. Roldan, will interpret popular choral pieces and Christmas classics. Completing the roster of performers are students and alumni from the Conservatory of Music to be joined by the UST Symphony Orchestra, Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble and Coro Tomasino. 

The traditional community singing will feature all-time favorites Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Joy to the World.

Since its inception, the Christmas Concert has always been held at the UST Chapel, recreating the European tradition of holding grand concerts in magnificent churches and cathedrals. This is also UST’s way of giving thanks to its numerous friends and benefactors for the past years.