Visiting chorale group
wows Negrenses 1

It was such a delightful way to spend an afternoon for some of the music lovers of Negros.

A group of young and attractive members of the Immaculate Conception Chorale from Cabanatuan City College of Immaculate Conception performed a mini-concert at the Balay Ni Tana Dicang Museum in Talisay City.

This Balay na Bato stands as one of Negros’ most preserved ancestral homes and is now open as a lifestyle museum.

On hand to welcome the guests was our dynamic host, Adjie Lizares, who managed to organize the mini-concert on such short notice. Among the guests was Ambassador John Meisto, who is the former US Ambassador to Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela and the US envoy to the Organization of South American Countries.

He now holds a senior security post at the White House. He is married to Msgr. Gigi Gaston’s sister, Nini, who came with him to the concert.  I learned that the couple came home to attend the 10th Gaston Family Reunion.  

The grand staircase of the museum served as a stage for the performers who appeared in their formal attire. The choir master, Alfred Samonte, a former Madrigal singer, introduced the group which has received awards in competitions in various cities in Europe.

The opening number was a moving Pilipino version of The Lord’s Prayer entitled “Ama”, by George Canseco. We were then enthralled by the performers’ rendition of Spanish songs and a medley of Ilocano folksongs with a delightful mélange of original Pilipino compositions. The audience applauded the rich tones of the baritone and the breathtaking range of the soloist soprano who held the high notes for an incredible long time. The finale was a beautiful love song, “Hanggang Langit”, composed by our very own Joel Navarro. What a pleasant experience it was to discover that there are treasures like this in a far off city like Cabanatuan.

Bravo!*