The Madrigal Singers in Berlin

 
 
 

BERLINews
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Online News Service of the Philippine Community in Berlin - Nr. 116
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Filipinos Shine Abroad:
Madrigal Singers conquer Europe!

This group of Filipinos has been conquering Europe.
Not with weapons of war or violence, but with their powerful voice.
The Philippine Madrigal Singers, popularly called the “Madz” has
reaped prestigious awards in various Choral Competitions around the
world,but especially in Europe. Their worldwide recognition started
when they participated and won in the “Choruses of the World
Festival” in New York in 1969. Thereafter, they started to shine in Europe.
In 1976,they won First Places in various competitions in Poland and
Hungary.Five years later,they excelled in Italy, France and Bulgaria.
In 1989,they won nine First Prizes in various Competitions held in
Spain,Austria,Italy and Germany.
Winning the Grand Prize in Tolosa, Spain in 1996 qualified them to
participate in the European Grand Champion,a choral competition
among the Grand Prize winners of the six prestigious choral
competitions in Europe.This was held in 1997 in Tours, France. They emerged undefeated and was crowned the European Grand Champion.
Yes,the best European Choir then were the Philippine Madrigal
Singers!In 2004, they again emerged victorious in Torrevieja, Spain
by winning two First Prizes in the “Certames Internacional Habanera
y Polifonia.”

Founded in the year 1963 by Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion, the “Madz”
has a long history of success as Philippine Ambassador of Music and
Culture.They have inspired people around the world with their music.
Like what they have been presently doing during their European Concert Tour.
This year, they have visited Norway, Finnland, Czech Republic,
Germany and France where they will participate in a Choral Competition.
In Berlin, they took part in a series of Concerts marking the 109th
Independence Day celebrations.They have shared their world-class
music in churches, halls and on Radio. On June 12, they sang at the
French Cathedral.
The next day, they graced the afternoon meditation in the presence
of the Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky, Archbishop of Berlin. They also sang
at the historical memorial Church and during the Global Summit on
Women at the Intercontental Hotel.
Wherever they go, they have shown that international standard of
Filipino artistry. The Germans admired their discipline,their
friendliness and above all their music which “comes from the heart.”
Once again the Philippine Madrigal Singers have proven that, they are
one of the Best Choirs in the world, and that we, Filipinos
could shine abroad!

(By Fr. Adonis Narcelles Jr., SVD)

(Pictures) The Philippine Madrigal Singers during their visit in Berlin.
They sang in the presence of Berlin’s Cardinal Sterzinsky and
Philippine Ambassador to Germany Delia Domingo Albert. They also
staged a concert at the Church of the Philippine Community in Berlin.