Pipe organ  festival opens today

An official of the Manila Cathedral is inviting composers to watch the five-day 2nd Pipe Organ Festival, which starts today, saying that he hopes the show would inspire them to create new liturgical songs.

Manila Cathedral rector Monsignor Nestro Cerbo said the show dates are today and on Dec. 5, 6, 8 and 10.

“We hope that, with the example of this pioneering pipe organ festival, more composers will be inspired to whip up new liturgical songs that are best sung with the pipe organ accompaniment,” Cerbo said.

This year’s festival will feature not only organ performances but also choral concerts and the launch of a new composition by multi-awarded singer, composer, and conductor Alejandro Consolacion II, “Misa Immaculada Concepcion.”

“Like what we did last year, this year’s festival is open (and) free to the public, in much the same way as liturgical celebrations are done free of charge,” Cerbo said.

Other artists who will perform in the festival are internationally acclaimed recitalist Armando Salarza; esteemed music guru and choirmaster-conductor Armin Comon; choirmaster, singer and conductor Crispin Anago; and United Kingdom’s PeterStapleston. – Evelyn Macairan