Three Filipino Vocalists Dazzle Barcelona’s Iconic UNESCO Heritage Sites in World Youth Choir Tour
BARCELONA 06 August 2025 — Three singers of Philippine classical music earned applause across Spain as they joined the prestigious World Youth Choir (WYC) 2025 concert tour in July 2025, performing at some of the country’s most iconic venues, including the Sagrada Familia and the Palau de la Música Catalana, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Barcelona.
Sopranos Vyktoria Therezze “Vyk” Bayle and Ella Castro, and tenor-baritone Mark Joseph Edradan, were selected from a competitive global audition to join 61 top young choral singers from over 30 countries for WYC’s summer session in Catalonia.
Vyktoria Therezze “Vyk” Bayle, a senior voice major at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, has performed at prestigious international stages including Carnegie Hall and festivals in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. She also serves as associate conductor of the Young Voices of the Philippines.
Mark Joseph Edradan is currently completing his degree in Choral Conducting at UP Diliman. An active ensemble director and vocalist, he has worked with groups such as Cambiare Colla Voce and the Ateneo College Glee Club, and uses music to foster community-building and social change.
Ella Castro is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting at the University of North Texas. She is also the assistant conductor of the Lewisville Lake Symphony and a conducting fellow at UNT, blending her expertise in voice, orchestral work, and composition.
Before continuing their European tour in France, the three Filipino representatives paid a courtesy call on Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro. They expressed their gratitude and shared their experiences as cultural ambassadors, saying, “Representing the Philippines was truly an honor for us. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the World Youth Choir performances and to be part of this meaningful experience.”
In response, the Consul General congratulated them and commended their role in showcasing Filipino talent on the global stage. She encouraged them to return and consider leading a master class for second and third-generation Filipinos in the city, noting, “Your presence in Barcelona will certainly inspire and provide knowledge and musical skills to young Filipinos.”
As a heartfelt tribute to the Philippines—and a prelude to the Consulate’s Buwan ng Wika celebration—the trio also performed a moving set of Kundiman classics, featuring the works of Francisco Santiago, Mike Velarde, Jr., and a traditional Bicol folk song for the Consulate’s clients.
Since its founding in 1989, the World Youth Choir has stood as a symbol of peace, unity, and intercultural dialogue. Recognized as a UNESCO Artist for Peace (1996–1998), the choir has performed at major global events, including Olympic Games and Nobel Peace Prize Ceremonies. This is the first time that three Filipinos are part of the choir. Their participation not only highlights the global caliber of Filipino musical talent, but also reinforces the power of music in promoting understanding across cultures. END
