20 June 2014- The UP Madrigal Singers wowed audiences as it represented the Philippines in the XXIII Festival Corale Internazionale “La Fabbrica del Canto” 2014 held last June 15. The UP Madrigal Singers gave a stellar performace under the direction of Mr. Mark Anthony Carpio.
Choral groups from Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden and France also participated in the festival. The Philippine Consulate General in Milan attended the “Sacred Music” performance on June 15 and “Pop Music” performance on June 16.
Despite the inclement weather, the “Sacred Music” performance enjoyed a full house at the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, one of the most ancient churches in Milan. The Basilica, known for its Romanesque architecture when it was rebuilt in the 11th century, was actually consecrated by Saint Ambrose in 387 A.D.
The “Pop Music” performance was held at the Teatro dal Verme where the UP Madrigal Singers regaled the audience with innovative renditions of “Da Coconut Nut” and “Queen of the Night,” among others.
During both performances, the UP Madrigal Singers received long bouts of applause from the audience composed mostly of Italian viewers. The Filipino community also came out to support the two-time European Grand Prix winner.
La Fabbrica del Canto is a yearly event that has been going on for 22 years. Its aim is to make choral music attractive to the youth and to gather the best choral groups in the world who are ambassadors of their countries’ cultures. END