PH Madrigal Singers Conducts Inaugural Visit to Laos
The Philippine Madrigal Singers (MADZ) sang the popular Lao song “Yen Sabai Sao Na” with Mr. Khamphan Phonthongsi (center), Director of the Lao National Cultural Hall during their gala performance on 10 June 2019 at the Lao National Cultural Hall in Vientiane, Laos. (Vientiane PE photo)
VIENTIANE 18 June 2019 — The Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), organized the visit of the Philippine Madrigal Singers (MADZ) to Vientiane from 08 to 13 June 2019.
The visit was part of the performing group’s ASEAN Tour 2019 in celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
The MADZ performed at the Lao National Cultural Hall in Vientiane on 10 June 2019 before an audience composed of representatives from the Lao government, diplomatic corps and international organizations, private sector, academe, and the Filipino community.
The group sang Philippine songs, namely “Kruhay”, “O Naranniag a Bulan”, “Pok Pok Alimpako”, “Bahay Kubo/Chichirichit”, “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan”, and “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal”; international songs “Underneath the Stars”, “Eres Tu”, and “You Raise Me Up”; and showtunes “You Will Be Found” and “Circle of Life”.
They also sang the popular Lao song “Yen Sabai Sao Na” with Lao National Cultural Hall director Khamphan Phonthongsy. For an encore, the MADZ performed the popular Ryan Cayabyab song “Da Coconut Nut” to the delight of the audience.
The Embassy also organized a chorale workshop conducted by the MADZ on 11 June 2019 at the Australian International School in Vientiane.
Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio and the MADZ taught the correct singing posture, breathing exercises, and techniques in utilizing pitch, volume, rhythm, and tempo in singing songs through various activities. A total of 44 students and seven faculty members of AIS participated in the event.
During their visit, the MADZ sang the Philippine National Anthem during the Embassy’s flag raising ceremony on 12 June 2019. Later that evening, they also featured prominently during the Embassy’s diplomatic reception held at the Lao Plaza Hotel.
The MADZ was founded in 1963 by National Artist for Music Andrea O. Veneracion, and has since became one of the most awarded chorale groups in the world. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the group as Artists for Peace for “putting their fame and influence to promote cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace.” END
Ambassador to Laos Belinda M. Ante onstage with the MADZ, Mr. Khamphan, MADZ Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio, and guest of honor Vice Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Savankhone Razmountry at the conclusion of the gala performance.
The MADZ with students of the Australian International School who participated in the chorale workshop conducted by the group on 11 June 2019. (Odette Galura photo)
For more information, visit www.vientianepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/vientianepe/