Philippine Madrigal Singers Hold Concert to Celebrate 70 Years of Philippine-German Diplomatic TiesThe Madrigals’ Nightingales do their rendition of Runaway (Berlin PE Photo).

BERLIN 04 November 2024 – On a night filled with music and meaning, the Philippine Embassy in Berlin celebrated 70 years of Philippine-German diplomatic relations with a concert by the Philippine Madrigal Singers dubbed Pitumpu. Held on 30 October 2024 at the Passionskirche, the concert was a celebration of the two countries’ renewed and expanded engagement.  

“For Filipinos,  the best way to celebrate is through music,” the Ambassador said in her welcome remarks before members of the diplomatic corps and the Filipino-German community.  She recalled that for the past seven decades, “relations between our countries have expanded to areas beyond the political-security and economic spheres; cooperation on climate, environment, education, culture, and migration have enriched the partnership as both our governments strive for peace, stability, and the well-being of not only Filipinos and Germans but the rest of humanity.”

Ambassador Frank Hartmann, Director General for Asia and the Pacific at the German Federal Foreign Office highlighted the reinvigoration of Philippine-German diplomatic relations and  Germany’s vision of a free, stable, and rules-based order and mutual respect, underscoring the crucial role of partnerships with the Philippines in achieving these goals.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers presented a rich and varied repertoire - including German songs like Widmung and Das Glaubt zu Speyer, contemporary Filipino choral compositions, and international pieces that demonstrated their versatility and talent. The concert was cultural diplomacy at its finest, showcasing the power of music to bring peoples and nations together. The Madrigal Singers received three standing ovations and delivered two encores, underscoring a profound connection with their audience. END

 Ambassador Irene Susan B. Natividad and Director-General Frank Hartmann of the German Federal Foreign Office with the Philippine Madrigal Singers (Berlin PE Photo).

The event was well attended by members of the diplomatic community, Filipino community, and local media (Berlin PE Photo).

Ambassador Frank Hartmann and Philippine Ambassador to Germany Irene Susan B. Natividad delivered their remarks (Berlin PE Photo).

The Madrigals regaled the audience with their international repertoire (Berlin PE Photo).

For more information, visit  https://www.berlinpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.de,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinGermany  or https://www.instagram.com/phingermany/.