ON March 25, 2006, the UP Concert Chorus (UPCC) held its Pamamaalam (Farewell) concert at the Philamlife Theater, Manila.

The repertoire included a mix of international, spiritual and gospel, folk and traditional Filipino songs, plus Broadway and pop.

“Pamamaalam” does not necessarily mean we won’t hear the Chorus’ voices again. It’s actually a traditional farewell performance before they embark on their 17th world tour.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Formed in 1962, UPCC has logged in more than 45 years of quality choral performances. The four decades of winning accolades and citations has brought pride not only to UPCC but also to the University of the Philippines and to the country as well.

The UPCC has been chosen as one of the world’s best choirs at the 4th Lincoln Center International Choral Festival in New York City. It has been invited 11 times to the prestigious Aberdeen International Youth festival in Scotland; and four times for command performances for Queen Elizabeth II. Most recently it received the Gawad Chancellor for Best Performing Group in 2004.

One of the more influential forces in the development of UPCC was Rey T. Paguio. For 30 years, he transformed UPCC from a university chorale to an ensemble of national and international stature.

In 2000, Jai Sabas-Aracama took over the conductor’s baton. She also takes on the role of conductor, teacher, coach, friend and mother to the organization. Jai joined UPCC in 1976. She has made a name for herself by winning the Best Alto Soloist and has performed in various concerts and musical productions.

More than just a traditional chorus type, UPCC has incorporated choreography and production design in performances. Ernest Hojilla, Jr and Edgar San Diego have been sharing their craft as choreographer and costume designer, respectively.

Among the UPCC’s famous alumni are Nanette Inventor, Ramon Acoymo, Chinggoy Alonzo, Angel Suguitan, Noel Velasco, Zebedee Zuñiga, and Loi Arcenas.

FIRST STOP

Seattle will be the first stop of the UPCC US leg tour when it leaves on April 19. Next on the itinerary are Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Vallejo, Las Vegas, Dallas, San Antonio, Michigan, Chicago, New Jersey.

OFF TO WIN

From the US, it’s off to Europe to sing for Filipino communities and several Philippine consulates.

The tour does not end in Europe. There are also scheduled performances in Hongkong and New Zealand.

Bringing overseas Filipinos back home through music is not an easy task. Imagine organizing the schedules, preparing passports and applying for the visas of 33 members and 6 adults and raising funds.

Pauline Barriero plays the crucial role of tour manager. The UPCC is very appreciative of the help it has received from various individuals and agencies like the AY Foundation, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), PAGCOR and the UP alumni. They are very thankful for the support of parents and friends.

TOURING LIFE

More rewarding than the accolades and standing ovations is the sense of having touched the hearts of kababayans. Traditional and Filipino folk songs never fail to bring tears of joy and stir the spirit of nationalism among Filipino listeners.

Conversely, touring helps the students widen their perspectives. It has exposed them to the world of arts, different governments and has given them an insight on the Philippine government abroad. It taught them to be independent, to budget resources and always create an opportunity for goodwill.

As ambassadors of goodwill, the UP Concert Chorus is an essential cultural and diplomatic tool for building bridges, friendships, interaction, cooperation, understanding and outreach to both foreign and Filipino overseas for international cooperation.

Don’t you think it’s high time that we invite other chorale companies to a world festival right back in the Philippines? That way, we don’t have to say “paalam” but welcome!