Cover Kammerchor Manila proudly representing the Philippines on the world stage (Photo: Facebook/Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod)
Kammerchor Manila proudly representing the Philippines on the world stage (Photo: Facebook/Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod)
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This church-based choral group finally bagged the Luciano Pavarotti Grand Prize (Choir of the World award) at the 2023 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Competition last July 8
Helmed by conductor and musical director Anthony Go Villanueva, Kammerchor Manila’s victory strengthens the Philippines’ rightful place in the global scope of classical music. The distinction of Choir of the World Award at Llangollen was also earned in the past by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Singers, from which Kammerchor Manila traces its roots.
Villanueva was a member of the UST Singers when it joined Llangollen in 1995 and won the award for the first time. Standing on stage again in Wales proved to be an emotional moment for Kammerchor Manila’s conductor, as the event highlighted an important 360-degree turn in his career.
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Above A joyful moment for conductor Anthony Villanueva (Photo: Kammerchor Manila)
A joyful moment for conductor Anthony Villanueva (Photo: Kammerchor Manila)
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Based in the Parish of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary in West Triangle, Quezon City, Kammerchor Manila was founded in 1992 by Fidel Calalang, Jr. “He taught me a lot about interpreting music and leading the members,” says Villanueva.
Through the decades, Kammerchor Manila became recognised as one of the leading church choirs in the country. Aside from classical madrigals, the group’s versatility extends to various genres, such as traditional folk songs and contemporary pop music.
While selecting their repertoire for the Llangollen competition, Villanueva decided two entries should display contrasting vocal elements. Rousing applause was given to Kammerchor Manila after its haunting renditions of Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord by Alejandro Consolacion II, a soaring religious anthem that demonstrated the choir’s capacity to execute complicated breathing techniques, and Jēkabs Jančevskis’ contemporary take on the Latvian folk song Atsalums, a “cold and impressionistic” song accompanied by drums and a cacophony of rapid chanting.
It wasn’t the easiest road getting to Llangollen. The group endured setbacks, such as several members being denied their UK visas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rehearsals had to be conducted via online video meetings, which also meant that celebrations for their 30th anniversary in 2020 had to be postponed.
As a nonprofit organisation, the choir had to seek ways to raise funds for travel costs. This can prove to be a challenge when it comes to performing internationally. According to Villanueva, it takes about two years to prepare for an overseas concert or competition—entailing a lengthy logistical process that includes finding sponsorships, finalising travel plans, and applying for visas.
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Above Members of Kammerchor Manila pose in front of Our Lady of Victories Church in Kensington, London (Photo: Kammerchor Manila)
Members of Kammerchor Manila pose in front of Our Lady of Victories Church in Kensington, London (Photo: Kammerchor Manila)
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Despite this, the members of Kammerchor Manila were able to embark on their 5th European Competition and Concert Tour. In addition to their triumph at Llangollen, the choir won first prize in the spiritual and gospel category, and pop and jazz category at the 60th “Seghizzi” International Choral Singing Competition in Gorizia, Italy. They were also awarded the Premio Excelentísima Diputación Provincial de Alicante at the 69th Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia in Torrevieja, Spain.
Above (Photo: Kammerchor Manila)
(Photo: Kammerchor Manila)
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For Villanueva, there is an edge to the Filipino’s capacity for musical performance as compared to the rest of the world. “We have our signature sound when we interpret music,” he says. “The Philippines is known for producing good singers. We sing from the heart. Our language is very warm, so when we sing, we are adapting that tenderness. That is our biggest advantage when it comes to choral singing.”
Kammerchor Manila will be holding its victory concert on 23 September 2023 at St. John Bosco Parish, Antonio Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City.
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Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
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Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
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