Polish Vocal Ensemble serenades UST
The interiors of the grand hall, University of Santo Tomas (UST) Museum were honored by a harmony of lighthearted and expressive à cappella arrangements performed by Polish Vocal Ensemble “ProForma” on Thursday evening.
ProForma awes Thomasians with Marcin Wawruk's Ceciliada, a composition dedicated to the patron saint of musicians, St. Cecilia.Photo by Amabelle San Pedro/THE FOURTH
The Poland-based vocal ensemble led by acclaimed choirmaster and music arranger, Marcin Wawruk, led the choir in an evening of concert in a small and intimate session with the Thomasians. It involved mostly of Polish classics, a couple of songs by Bobby McFerrin, and also a relaxed, more cheerful rendition of “Tiptoe Through The Tulips”.
Some of the audience confessed that it reminded them of Tiny Tim’s version of the song that was featured in the horror film “Insidious.” Over all, they said that they found it quite pleasant.
Exposure and tour
In partnership with the UP Concert Chorus (UPCC), the UST Singers also performed one of Mawruk’s creation, Ceciliada, a song frequently sung in their concerts.
“After learning about the presence of ProForma [in the country] through UPCC, Marcin Warwuk, the conductor, messaged us that he wanted to come to the university,” Mark Agpasa, UST Singers’ assistant conductor said. “We said that’s a good thing so we can meet their present batch of singers as well.”
Agpasa also said that they held a concert for the multi-awarded vocal ensemble to provide them more exposures and, at the same time, tour them around the vicinity of the university.
“We toured them around Luneta and CCP. And, I think, it was their first time to stroll around Manila,” Agpasa shared. “They always mention about the hospitality of the Filipino people, you know, the typical Filipino trait of being accommodating.”
Poland and Philippines friendship
Wawruk expressed his gratitude towards the UST Singers and its founder.
“Thank you for the invitation Sir Fidel Calalang and the UST Singers. You are so famous in the world and we became friends many years ago and the friendship is still alive. I hope it lasts a few more years,” he said in jest.
Founder of UST Singers Fidel Calalang Jr. talked of how he first met Wawruk and ProForma in Spain in 2002.
“It began a beautiful friendship that connected the Philippines and Poland instantly because of the exchange of cultures, and most especially because of the love and passion for choral music,” the maestro said.
This friendship formed after a competition in Spain in 2002, ProForma and UST Singers were able to develop camaraderie with the UPCC back in 2014.
UPCC also held a concert for ProForma Friday night for their musical advocacy “Musikaugnayan sa Musikalikasan” at the Institute of Biology Auditorium to celebrate UPCC’s 55th year as “cultural envoys of Filipino artistry.”
Proforma will stay in the Philippines for one or two weeks for more experiences and exposures.
