UP choral groups hold fundraising concert for Marawi children

Dubbed as Marawit Awit para sa Marawi (Marawit), the Philippine Madrigal Singers (Madz), UP Concert Chorus (UPCC), and UP Singing Ambassadors (UPSA) graced the concert for-a-cause organized by the UP Alumni Association and the Sigma Rho Fraternity Council at the UP Film Center Tuesday evening. (PNA photo)

MANILA — Three of the finest choral groups in the University of the Philippines (UP) performed together in one stage for a fundraising concert for the education of children of Marawi.

Dubbed as Marawit Awit para sa Marawi (Marawit), the Philippine Madrigal Singers (Madz), UP Concert Chorus (UPCC), and UP Singing Ambassadors (UPSA) graced the concert for-a-cause organized by the UP Alumni Association and the Sigma Rho Fraternity Council at the UP Film Center Tuesday evening.

UP President Danilo Concepcion, in his message, noted that children were among the hardest-hit victims in the Marawi war that broke out May last year.

Citing a report from non-government organization Save the Children, over 60,000 children and 1,400 teachers were displaced from the city due to the clashes between government troops and terrorist group Maute.

“As the country’s only national university, UP cannot stand idly by as our youth fail to achieve their potential,” said Concepcion.

During the concert, the three choral groups performed Filipino folk songs such as Pamulinawen, Malinac Kay Labi, Kayo Maugnay Daun, Inday sa Balitaw, Caturog na Nonoy, Guti-Ay, Ay Kalisud, and Mamayog Aken.

Pre-battle ritual song Sagayan from Manga Pakalagian and a victory chant Iddem-dem Malida were also performed by the country’s renowned choral groups.

Madz, UPCC, and UPSA also sang foreign-language songs like Ola! O Che Bon Eccho, Chichester Psalms, Kyrie, Hymn to the Virgin, Auringon Noustessa, and Psalm 100.

Tagalog songs such as Payapang Daigdig, Tagumpay Nating Lahat, Isang Bayan-Isang Lahi -Isang Dugo, and Pilipinas Kong Mahal were performed together by the university’s choral groups.

Madz is led by its Choir Master Mark Anthony Carpio; UPCC conductor is Prof. Janet Sabas-Aracama; and UPSA conductor is Prof. Edgardo Lumbrera Manguiat.

Pianist Augusto Espino accompanied Madz, UPCC, and UPSA during the concert.