SFA-AGR-507-08

FILIPINO CHOIR GROUPS PARTICIPATE IN 2008 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CHOIR FEST

1 August 2008 - Three choir groups from the Philippines participated in the recent 2008 Hong Kong International Youth and Children's Choir Festival held from 14 to 18 July 2008 at the Hong Kong Cultural Center. The Ramon Magsaysay High School Chorale of Manila and the University of Northeastern Philippines Chorale from Iriga City, Camarines Sur, competed in Category B3 (aged 29 and under) while the Vox Angeli Children's Choir, based in Sanctuario de San Jose in Manila and composed of students from Xavier School Manila and De La Salle University, competed in Category A2 (children's choir, aged 16 and under).

Vox Angeli emerged as the winner for the Children’s Choir, besting four other participating choir groups from Singapore and China. The group’s repertoire included “Umawit Kang Masaya (Praising God)”, “Ampeu Selo, He-o!” (a harvest song) and “Festival Sanctus”.  Their conductor, Raul C. Navarro, Ph.D., is Chair and Associate Professor of the Conducting and Choral Ensemble Department of the UP College of Music. Dr. Navarro is also Conductor for the UP Vocal Ensemble. Vox Angeli later performed at the Phoenix TV "The World Sings for Olympics" Concert held at the Asia World Expo on 18 July. END

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