Glorious music marked the traditional Classical Christmas Concert of the University of Santo Tomas.
The collective artistry of the UST Conservatory of Music took centerstage. Various singers, both students and faculty members; two choirs; the university’s symphony orchestra, and a Venezuelan vocal band entertained the audience.
University rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, OP, said the concert should open the celebration of the Christmas season not only on campus but in Manila as well. He explained the blessedness of Christmas would be especially felt through music, which would be very close to Filipinos’ hearts.
Christmas carols
Fanfare at once opened the program in the antiphonal playing of a brass choir, positioned in the gallery, and the UST Symphony Orchestra, on stage, of a well-arranged medley of popular Christmas carols done by Orlando de la Cruz, with Michael E. Jacinto wielding the baton.
Tenor Lemuel de la Cruz and soprano Abigail Garza intoned “God Bless Us Everyone.” This was followed by Jade Riccio’s rendition of Cesar Franck’s “Ave Maria,” with the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble serving as an appropriate meditative doxology.
The trio of two tenors and a bass, namely Eugene de los Santos, Ronan Ferrer and Jun Francis Jaranilla, respectively, was a formidable ensemble.
Well blended, they brought in nostalgic strains of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” This was paired with “When You Believe” to form a moving medley, with the participation of Coro Tomasino and Liturgikon Ensemble merged as a composite choir.
Youthful glee was felt in the rendition by the UST Symphony Orchestra under its conductor Herminigildo G. Ranera, of a bouquet of traditional Christmas tunes—“How Far Is It to Bethlehem?,” “Pastorale Natalizia” and “Tu Scendi Dal le Stelle,” arranged by the conductor himself.
It was with disbelief that one listened to the fine rendition of the symphony, which was marked by sterling dynamism. The musicians’ playing was truly inspired.
Perhaps the highlight of the program was the rendition of Coro Tomasino, conducted by Ronan Ferrer, of the traditional “In Dulci Jubilo,” paired with a contemporary piece, “Nativitas,” by August Pamintuan.
The choir was astoundingly well-blended, showing a disciplined ensemble singing with integrity.
Ferrer deserves commendation for the transformation of Coro Tomasino into an impressive choir. Definitely it is a choir to watch!
Popular touch enriched the program that served as a warm tour de force in the rendition of Frederic Maturan and Kathleen Sunga in “Once upon a Christmas,” with the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble.
Tenor Raymong Muyot and soprano Jasmine Salvo rendered “The Greatest Gift of All.”
Pop strains further added luster with the rendition of the guest ensemble, XCOR, a vocal band from Venezuela.
