UST Coro Tomasino bags top honors at 2025 Taipei International Choral Competition

UST Coro Tomasino, the official choir of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, has once again proven the power of Filipino choral artistry after clinching multiple top honors at the 2025 Taipei International Choral Competition held from July 30 to August 1 in Taipei, Taiwan.

The ensemble bagged two Gold Diplomas—in the Mixed Choir Category (from a field of 8 choirs) and the Ethnic/Traditional Music Category (12 participating choirs).

In the Mixed Choir Category, the group presented a diverse repertoire that blended tradition with innovation: Come Away, Sweet Love, a Renaissance madrigal by Thomas Greaves; Pater Noster, an original composition by Coro Tomasino’s own musical director Mark Raeniel Agpasa; and Sa Silong ng Langit, the complex choral masterpiece of award-winning Filipino composer Nilo Alcala.

Meanwhile, in the Ethnic/Traditional Category, the choir highlighted the richness of Philippine folk heritage through a set that fused music, movement, and storytelling. 

Their performance featured Sarung Banggi (arranged by Agpasa), Caturog Na Nonoy (arranged by Fidel Calalang Jr.), and Inglay, a Kalinga war song arranged by Normita Rio-Pablico. With vibrant choreography and cultural narration, the choir brought the spirit of these folk traditions to life on the international stage.

Coro Tomasino’s success extended to the Grand Prix Competition at the Taiwan National Concert Hall, one of the most prestigious platforms for Asian choral music.

Performing Alcala’s Sa Silong ng Langit and Aaron Dale’s arrangement of Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?, the ensemble earned 2nd Prize and took home 30,000 NTD—a testament to the choir’s ability to excel across both classical and contemporary repertoires.

Agpasa was also honored with the Special Jury Prize for Promising Conductor.

This victory holds deep meaning for the group, marking its first international competition and tour since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For the choristers, the achievement symbolizes resilience, renewal, and the enduring spirit of Filipino musicianship.

“Bringing Thomasian artistry and Filipino choral excellence back to the international stage has been a truly humbling and joyful experience for us,” Agpasa said. 

"This triumph is not only for the choir but also for the University of Santo Tomas and the entire Filipino choral community," he added. 

Founded in 1987, UST Coro Tomasino has grown into one of the country’s most recognized university-based choirs, composed of select students from diverse academic backgrounds within the Conservatory of Music. 

Over the decades, the group has championed both Filipino and international works, uplifting audiences through concerts, workshops, and competitions. –VBL, GMA Integrated News