AS a special Christmas presentation, Nuestra Señora de Gracia (NSDG) Parish and the Order of St. Augustine Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu, in cooperation with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, cordially invite the public to a free concert by world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at NSDG along Bernardino Street in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati.
Fresh from their Citta di Arezzo win at the 64th Concurso Polifonico Guido di Arezzo in Italy, which qualified them for the European Grand Prix for Choral Music in Tolosa, Spain next year, the Madz will be led by choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio.
The ancient NSDG church, a favorite venue for weddings and location set for television soap operas due to its old-world feel, was founded in the 1600s as hospice for ailing priests, and became an orphan asylum before its administration as a full – fledged parish was turned over to the Augustinian Order by the Archdiocese of Manila in 1970.
Through the years, the heritage church has hosted concerts by some of the finest choral ensembles in the country such as the Manila Youth Choir (culled from NAMCYA champion Ramon Magsaysay High School), Hiyas ng Pilipinas Children’s Choir, and the University of San Agustin Troubadours, back to back with sterling performances by sopranos Lisa Cabahug and Ana Feleo, harpist Holly Angel Paraiso, violinist Joseph Bryan Cimafranca, the Manila String Machine cello quartet, rocker Butch Montejo, and flamenco specialist Jamila Perez.
The Madz concert is expected to showcase classical and Filipino melodies, and is part of the outreach program of the parish. Simbang Gabi service at 9 p.m. follows the musical presentation. For inquiries, call 896.8444.
