Filipino Talent Takes Center Stage During The Christmas Concert With The Philippine Madrigal Singers in Tokyo
On 20 December 2023 the Philippine Embassy led by Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano hosted a Christmas Concert in Tokyo with the award-winning Philippine Madrigal Singers at the Akasaka Civic Center. This event was made possible through the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Minato City.
This concert is part of the year-long celebration of the many milestones for the Philippines this year 2023 such as the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 50th Year Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. In this regard, it was fitting to end this special year on a high notewith songs of celebration from our world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers.
In her remarks, Ambassador Garcia-Albano shared that the Philippines is famous for having one of the most colorful and vibrant Christmas celebrations in the world. The event was an opportunity to feature Philippine traditions and the spirit of the season in Tokyo for the enjoyment of both the Filipino and Japanese attendees as well as the members of the diplomatic corps.
In the coming New Year, the Embassy hopes to further strengthen the ties between the Filipinos and the Japanese by bringing more of the Philippines to Japanwith cultural events similar to this concert.
Recognized by the UNESCO as Artists for Peace for “putting their fame and influence to promote cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture for peace,” the Philippine Madrigal Singers is one of the most awarded chorale groups, winning top prizes in the world’s prestigious choral competitions. National Artist for Music Professor Andrea O. Veneracion founded group in 1963. They are now under the designated successor Mr. Mark Anthony Carpio. The Philippine Madrigal Singers are known for their distinctive set-up of sitting in a semi-circle without a conductor. The group continues to promote Filipino choral works in their performances around the world. At the same time, they also carry on programs to nurture and develop future generations of conductors and choral singers.
