Madrigal Singers in 15-city Canada tour

The Philippine Madrigal Singers performs at the Eden United Church in Mississauga on June 21, 2024 in a sold-out concert. Formerly known as the UP Madrigal Singers, had performed around the world and had won in various international competitions, the group is in a 3-month tour of Canada performing in 15 cities since April. The event in Mississauga was organized by the UP Alumni Associaton-Toronto. Photo: Rene Sevilla

From solemn gospel songs to foot-stomping beats, from the 50’s hits to the 80s, fromBillboard to Broadway, the Philippine Madrigal Singers struck a chord with every single person in the audience. 20 voices blending perfectly to deliver a repertoire that appealed to both the young and old in their only solo, full-length show in Toronto. Held on June 21, 2024, at the Eden United Church in Mississauga, concert tickets were sold- out, as expected. After all, it has been 13 years since their last visit in Canada.

Founded in 1963, the Madz, formerly known as the UP Madrigal Singers, have been the Philippines’; unofficial ambassador of goodwill, performing around the world and winning the top prize in every international competition. These include the Certámen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia in Spain (2004), Florilege Vocal de Tours in France (2006) Concurso Internazionale di Guido d’ Arezzo in Italy (2016), and the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing (1997 and 2007). In 2009, the choral group was named by UNESCO as Artists for Peace for “putting their fame and influence to promote cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace.”

The Madz have been in the country since April for their 3-month tour, performing in 15 different cities across Canada.Their final stop is St. John’s, NL where they will perform with other choral groups and Filipino soprano Pauline Arejola at the Harbour Voices International Festival of Collective Singing Traditions on June 29, 2024. –Nova Rellosa-De Leon

Officers of the University Philippines Alumni Association – Toronto, led by president Agnes Manasan, organizers of the event and supporters at the concert of the Philippine Madrigal Singers held on June 21, 2024 at the Eden United Church in Mississauga. Photo: Rene Sevilla