MANILA, Philippines - On its eighth year and just a few months before its 400th year celebration, the University of Santo Tomas Christmas Concert Gala heralds the beginning of the Christmas Season by gathering an exceptional pool of Thomasian musicians and artists on Dec. 2, at 6:30 in the evening at the UST Chapel.
This year, the Christmas Gala’s opening act includes the UST Brass Ensemble and the UST Symphony Orchestra playing Christmas Fanfare and Symphonic Bells, respectively with conductor Prof. Herminigildo Ranera. Then, the Coro Tomasino sings Spanish Villacicos, with conductor Prof. Ronan Ferrer. Lourdes Gregorio (Harp I) and Christian Caragayan (Harp II) play What Child is This followed by O Night Divine Medley by sopranos Nenen Alfornon, Naomi Sison and Thea Perez.
A highlight of the musicale is the performance of Conservatory of Music Dean and Cultural Center of the Philippines President, Raul Sunico of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
One of the country’s most award-winning sopranos Rachel Gerodias sings The Messiah and Because of Who You Are. The UST Jazz Ensemble with Tots Tolentino presents the Christmas Song. Tenor Lemuel dela Cruz with the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble interprets Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.
The UST Singers, 2010 Choir of the World, with conductor Prof. Fidel Calalang, performs three special numbers before the finale number of Pasko sa UST composed by Tonton Africa and Christmas Greetings by all the performing choirs with the UST Symphony Orchestra. The musical experience ends with a community singing of Adeste Fideles and Joy to the World.
The UST Christmas Concert Gala’s chairpersons are Fr. Isidro C. Abaño, O.P., executive director for Quadricentennial Activities and Highlights and art patroness Maricris C. Zobel.