The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) or simply Korus, one of the university’s official performing groups, celebrates its 60th anniversary with a concert entitled “Sama-Sama Together” to be held on February 4, 2023 (Saturday), 5:00 pm at the UP Theater in Diliman, Quezon City.
Established in 1962 under the incumbency of UP President, General Carlos P. Romulo with Dean Ramon Tapales as its first conductor, the UP Concert Chorus has evolved into an internationally renowned and multi-awarded choir that has perfected versatility in singing classical, folk, pop, and Broadway musical genres with their signature vibrant choreography under the stewardship of the much-beloved Dean Rey T. Paguio. An icon of stage performance that pioneered ChoreoCapella or choreographed a capella in the Philippines, it is the recipient of several distinctions, including the world’s best in folk choral performance at the 2012 Festival Internacional de Cantonigros in Spain, Grand Prix winner at the 6th International Krakow Choir Festival in Poland, and 2012 Aliw Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
An icon of stage performance that pioneered ChoreoCapella or choreographed a capella in the Philippines, it is the recipient of several distinctions, including the world’s best in folk choral performance at the 2012 Festival Internacional de Cantonigros in Spain, Grand Prix winner at the 6th International Krakow Choir Festival in Poland, and 2012 Aliw Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
The anniversary concert features different UPCC batches from the 1960s to the present performing songs and choreography of various musical genres such as liturgical, classical, opera, Filipino folk, Broadway, and pop.
“From Thompson to Fettke, from Abelardo to Lucio San Pedro to John Lennon, from VST to APO Hiking Society, from Gary Valenciano to Itchyworms, from Nonong Pedero to Willy Cruz to Ryan Cayabyab… we are going sing these songs. The concert is going to be a musical extravaganza to remember 60 years by,” says Atty. Noriz D. Castillo, Chairperson of the UPCC 60th Anniversary Concert Committee.
Three celebrated conductors, all UPCC alumni, will be leading the grand Anniversary Chorus: Joel Navarro, Ed Manguiat, and current UPCC artistic director Jai Sabas-Aracama. Whitelight Events Agency CEO and Creative Director Rico Mortel, also a UPCC alumnus, will be directing the show.
Among those who have confirmed to perform include singer-comedienne Nanette Inventor; Edru Abraham of Kontra Gapi; Becky Demetillo-Abraham of Inang Laya; broadcaster Kata Inocencio; celebrity voice teacher Kitchie Molina; Bob Serrano and Popo Suanes of the Tux; Zebedee Zuñiga and Sushi Reyes of The Opera; lawyers Dot Gancayco, Noriz Castillo, Shaina Ramirez, Gigi Dizon Reyes, and Jenny Aldecoa-Delorino; doctors Melfred Hernandez and Glynna Ong-Cabrera; international performer Jonathan Badon; stage actors Lionel and Cynthia Guico; Filipino-American musician Nhick Pacis; singer-actress Olive Isidro; speech language pathologist Kaye Tiuseco of the Ryan Cayabyab Singers; public relations strategist Ritzi Ronquillo; Vallejo City California Vice-Mayor Rozzana Verder-Aliga, and around 200 more UPCC alumni.
Prof. Joel Navarro promises that the event will be a treat not just for those who are familiar with the UP Concert Chorus’ brand of performing. He says, “It’s a lifetime event that you will want to attend. It’s not just our story. It’s the story of how music can build a community, transform a people and move the world.”
UPCC Alumni Association President Atty. Dot Gancayco stresses that, as a way of giving back to their alma mater: the University of the Philippines, the Korus, and the country, concert proceeds will go to the Dean Rey T. Paguio Scholarship Fund.
For ticket details and inquiries, contact Lowell Reyes at mobile number 09228050471.
