Pinoy choir wows audiences in Norway

A Filipino choir composed of scholars from the Technological University of the Philippines impressed audiences in Norway during their concert in Oslo earlier this month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has said. Citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, the DFA the Techniuv Coro, under conductor Steve Abad Collado, gave an outstanding concert last September 9 at the St. Olav Cathedral. “Oslo Bishop Bernt Eidsvig of Oslo, together with ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps as well as Filipino residents in Oslo were enthralled by the choir’s magnificent rendition of sacred folkloric and secular music sung in German, French, English, Spanish and Filipino," the DFA said. Organized in 1992 in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Coro Techniuv rose to fame when it emerged as the runaway winner in a choral festival organized by the Cultural and Athletic Association of Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (CAACUP) within a year of its formation. The concert in Norway was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Norway, in cooperation with the Catholic Diocese of Oslo. The choir accompanied by its spiritual director, Fr. Gilberto Urubio, according to the DFA report. “The choir rendered a capella versions of Pater Noster, Bogoro Ditse Dyevo, Ehre Sei Gott Inder Hohe, A Tu Lado, You Raise Me Up, A Man in the Mirror, La Guerre, Cebuano Medley, Iniibig Kita, Lipad ng Pangarap, to the delight of the audience. The encore number, ‘Tayo’y Mga Pinoy’, composed and made popular by Herber Bartolome, brought comic relief to the solemn, quiet temperament of the choir’s repertoire," it said. Bishop Eidsvig was quoted by the DFA report saying he was impressed by the purity of the voices he heard, while another ambassador was amazed at how they could sing in five different languages pretty well. “A European diplomat said it was a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ for her to listen to an Asian choir with mastery of rhythm and harmony," the DFA added. Prior to its Oslo concert, the choir participated in the folkloric and sacred song divisions of the 3rd Grieg International Music festival held in Bergen on September 2-6. From Oslo, the choir proceeded to Belgium where they will compete in the International Choir Contest of Flanders-Maasmechelen and in Arezzo, Italy where they are also scheduled to participate in the 57th “Guido d’Arezzo" International Polyphonic Competition. Philippine Ambassador to Norway Elizabeth Buensuceso extended her gratitude to the choir for bringing joy and cheer from the Philippines to Norway and for giving honor and pride to the country. - GMANews.TV