The world champions, UST Singers.
The UST Alumni Australia (USTAA) in partnership with the UST Office of Alumni Relations proudly presents “Afterglow” a virtual concert on Saturday, 30 April, 2022. The show kicks off at 1:00 pm (NSW< ACT< VIC< QLD) and will be available on live streamed throughout Australia and the Philippines. (12.30pm SA, 11am WA & the Philippines).
It’ll be a touch of nostalgia as the hybrid concert will capture memories of the good, old UST days. The highlight of the show is UST’s pride and joy – world renowned and multi award winning, UST Singers. It is the premiere, mixed choral ensemble composed of a select group of students and alumni representing the different colleges and faculties of UST, Asia’s oldest university. Since 1993, the UST Singers have been unstoppable, performing on the international scene for world leaders and reaping the top awards through the years.
The show will feature special messages from Very Reverend Father Richard Ang, OP, UST’s Rector and Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega. Also appearances and greetings from some of the UST alumni who have become Philippine celebrities to include: Christian Esguerra, award-winning journalist and host of his own news podcast, “Facts First”; Miriam Quiambao-Roberto, Bb Pilipinas and Miss Universe 1st Runner Up 1999; -John “Sweet” Lapus, actor, comedian and director; and the UST Growling Tigers basketball team. Music legends – Jun Polistico and Nonoy Zuniga will also be making special guest appearances.
“It’s our way of connecting to fellow Thomasians in Australia and rekindling the spirit,” said USTAA spokesperson, Albert Prias.
The man behind the harmonious voices of the UST Singers is Musical Director, Prof. Fidel Calalang Jr., a graduate of Bachelor of Music in Piano performance with a Master of Arts in Music from the UST Conservatory of Music. Since the foundation of the group in 1992, he has led the group to perform in 31 international concert tours and in winning 82 awards in various choral competitions on the world stage. Prof. Calalang is a multi-award winner in his own right and also teaches in the Graduate School of Music in UST.
In 2019, the UST singers were awarded the “Choir of the World Champion of Champions” title, besting 31 choir winners from Europe, North America, Australia, and the Asia Pacific at the world’s oldest Choir competition, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, The United Kingdom.
To perform in front of a 2000-strong audience in attendance in “Amor y Amistad: 28 Years of Love and Friendship.” The festival was held at the iconic Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex on February 16, 2020.
2020 was a milestone year for the choir as it produced one of the largest choral festivals for that year where eight choral groups from all over the Philippines and the United States joined together on stage.
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, the UST Singers was able to continuously spread its message of peace and goodwill through its music using the digital platform. In 2020 and 2021, they were featured as guest artists in the first and second international choral festival, entitled “Le Musica es Vida”; 8th International Choral Festival Canta America held in Peru; Choral Fest Costa Rica; 22nd World Choral Festival Puebla Mexico; “Passio, Música, y Espiritualidad” – Holy Week Concert in Chile; and the “City of Derry International Choir Festival” held in Derry, Ireland.
The group was also invited as guest artist at the “Unite the World in Peace and Harmony,” a TV special presented by the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, The United Kingdom presented virtually through the S4C Television Network and the BBC Two Wales aired all over the United Kingdom.
The UST Singers were in Australia in 2016 and performed to a packed venue in Blacktown, Sydney. On Saturday, April 30, 2022, the UST Singers will once again shine as they share the warmth of the afterglow and entertain Australia!
The UST Alumni Australia invites everyone to enjoy its maiden offering “Afterglow.” Watch out for the Live stream notification on FB page/ust alumni australia. To become a USTAA member email: ustalumniaustralia@gmail.com or contact 0412 966 300.
