Caroling its way to a successful 10th year, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) will hold its much-anticipated Christmas Concert Gala on Dec. 6, 8 p.m., at Santisimo Rosario Parish Church (UST Chapel).
The repertoire this year will include the “Marian Christmas Medley,” “Payapang Daigdig,” “Suo Gan,” and G. F. Handel’s “He Shall Feed His Flock” from “Messiah.”
Featured vocalists are Rachelle Gerodias, Nenen Espina, Thea Perez, Naomi Sison, Clarissa Ocampo, Lemuel de la Cruz, Eugene de los Santos, Ronan Ferrer and Andrew Fernando.
Also featured are the university’s renowned choral groups—the UST Singers, Coro Tomasino and Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble.
Accompaniment to these performances will be given by the UST Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of professor Herminigildo Ranera.
Audience participation will be observed in the penultimate singing of “O Come O Ye Faithful” and “Joy to the World.”
The UST Christmas Concert Gala will be presented by newly installed Rector Magnificus, Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P.
Chairpersons of the organizing committee are Fr. Isidro C. Abaño, O.P., director of the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences; and art patroness Maricris C. Zobel.
The concert was inspired by the European tradition of staging concerts in churches. Aside from being a Christmas ritual, it is held to thank the university’s friends and benefactors at the end of the year.
Sponsors this year are the Belo Medical Group, San Miguel Corp. and Singapore Airlines. Donations are welcome.
Beneficiaries are the heritage-conservation fund of the UST Museum and the scholarship fund of the UST Conservatory of Music.