Senate congratulates UP Madrigal Singers for winning in the International Polyphonic Competition in Italy

The Senate adopted a resolution today congratulating the University of the Philippines (UP) Madrigal Singers for winning the grand prize in the 64th International Polyphonic Competition Guido d'Arezzo held in Arezzo, Italy, last August 24-28, 2016.

Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV, author of Senate Resolution No. 170, said the outstanding performance of the UP Madrigal Singers deserved to be recognized for the honor, pride and glory the choir brought to the country. Aside from winning the grand prize, the UP Madrigal Singers also won in various categories in the prestigious singing competition.

"At the 64th International Competition Polyphonic Competition Guido d Arezzo, the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers garnered the lst Prize in the Compulsory Program, Musica Sacra, and Monographic Music Categories, 2nd Prize in Secular Music, and the Special Listening Committee Awards in Folk Song, Pop and Renaissance Performances," the resolution states.

Led by their choirmaster and artistic director Mark Anthony A. Carpio , the choir is composed of April Glory M. de Guzman, Maria Blanca Krystl Buesa, Katrina Marie T. Saga, Bernadette M. Mamauag, Keiko Cressida Cayanga, Ma. Pilar Charlene V. Ramos, Ily Matthew Y. Maniano, Maria Riva G. Ferrer, Trisha Kay G. Piao, Jacqueline P. Sentinerial, Jeanie Lynn D.M. Tolentino, John Christian P. Jose, Tomas Umberto C. Virtucio Jr., Richmond M. Montilla, John Philip M. Baustista, John Ryan B. Aguila, Nil's Emerson R. Flores, Mark Allen T. Estera, Terrence Erard D.A. The, Joey G. Vargas, Emmanuel P. De Leon Jr. and Rommel M. Taniegra.

As grand champions in the choral competition, the UP Madrigal Singers qualified to compete in the 2017 European Grand Prix, which the group previously won in 1997 and 2007.

The UP Madrigal Singers was organized in 1963 by National Artist Professor Andrea O. Veneracion. The singing choir has consistently won top prizes in most of the world's prestigious choral competitions. (Olivia Caunan)