The University of the Philippines Symphony Orchestra (UPSO), joined by five university singing groups that won international awards in 2024, will bring holiday festivities to a crescendo with “Tayo Ay Mangagsi-awit: Pasko sa Diliman ay Sumapit” on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. at the University Theater.
The event will feature the UP Concert Chorus, UP Manila Chorale, UP Los Baños Choral Ensemble, Novo Concertante Manila, and the a cappella group Iskollas performing alongside the university’s 70-piece “Orkestra ng Bayan.”
Soloists include soprano Katherine Molina, alto Jai Sabas Aracama, tenor Francisco Aseniero, and bass Jonaf del Fierro. Harpsichordist Augusto Espino and conductor Josefino Chino Toledo will also perform.
Tickets are P300 each and available at the theater entrance or online at bit.ly/AHAPasko.
The concert will feature excerpts from Handel’s Messiah and other beloved Christmas music. Messiah is one of the most frequently performed choral works in Western classical music. Composed by George Frideric Handel with a libretto by Charles Jennens, the English oratorio premiered in 1742 in Dublin. Known for its elaborate arias, recitatives, and choruses, the work is a staple of the Christmas and Easter seasons.
The Hallelujah Chorus, perhaps the most iconic section of Messiah, is traditionally met with audiences rising to their feet in reverence.
