Philippine Madrigal Singers Captivate Athens in Twin Concerts Celebrating 127th Philippine Independence, 75 Years of PH-GR Diplomatic Relations
ATHENS 10 June 2025 — The internationally acclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers captivated audiences in Athens with two spectacular concert performances held on 31 May and 02 June 2025, in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Hellenic Republic.
The concerts were organized by the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Athens, with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, as part of the Embassy’s cultural diplomacy initiatives and commemorative activities marking the two milestones.
The first concert, held at the Cathedral of St. Denis the Areopagite on 31 May 2025, brought together the Filipino community and friends of the Philippines in an uplifting evening of sacred choral music. The program opened with the national anthems of both countries and messages from Father Giorgos Dagas and Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec, highlighting the values of unity, faith, and cultural pride.
On 02 June 2025, the second concert took place at the distinguished Parnassos Literary Society, drawing Greek government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and cultural institutions. Ambassador Palec delivered welcome remarks followed by a special message from the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic Iason Fotilas, who lauded the event as a meaningful gesture of enduring Philippine-Greek friendship and mutual respect.
Both events featured a stunning 75-minute repertoire by the Philippine Madrigal Singers, under the direction of Maestro Mark Anthony Carpio, showcasing the best of Filipino choral artistry—from classical masterpieces to beloved folk and contemporary pieces. As UNESCO Artists for Peace and winners of the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing, the Madrigal Singers once again affirmed their role as cultural ambassadors of the Filipino people.
“These concerts are a celebration not only of our heritage and talent, but also of the strong and lasting friendship between the Philippines and Greece—a relationship founded on shared democratic values, cultural respect, and deep people-to-people ties,” said Ambassador Palec.
The Embassy also extended its deep appreciation to all partners who made the events possible: The Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Cultural Diplomacy, Status Maritime Corporation, Performance Shipping Inc., Goldair Airline Services, Delos Navigation Ltd., Avin International Ltd., and, Vantage Shipping Lines S.A.
The two-night musical celebration marked a meaningful milestone for the Filipino diaspora in Greece, offering a space for cultural pride, national identity, and artistic excellence to be shared with the wider Greek public. END
For more information, visit https://www.athenspe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinGreece/.