University of Santo Tomas Singers - Judge Memorial High School

On Sunday July 13, all the way from the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas Singers (UST) gave one of the most thrilling choral concerts Salt Lake has seen all year.

University of Santo Tomas Singers, Prof. Fidel Calalang Dir.

Conducted and founded by maestro Fidel Calalang Jr., the UST singers are one of the most prestigious choral ensembles in all of Asia and the world. Having received international acclaim, winning numerous prizes in international competitions, they are also the only choir in the world to have won the Choir of the World Grand Prize Luciano Pavarotti Trophy two times. They brought this level of artistry and excellence to Judge Memorial High School in Salt Lake City and did not disappoint.

The previous night, the UST Singers joined the Salt Lake Choral Artists Summer Choral Institute in a weekend of singing concluding with a concert, in which they occupied the second half. On Sunday, the stage was set for only them. Entering the venue in their beautiful costumes the evening got off to an exciting start as the singers sheer energy and volume is not something heard very often in Utah. With only about 30-40 singers, the UST singers can sing loud! But what really makes them remarkable, is that they can sing both loudly and beautifully at the same time. (Note all links to songs are YouTube links to the actual performance of this concert.)

The entire concert was excellently executed, with some stand-out pieces. Lithuanian composer Vytautas Miskinis' "Regina Coeli" was given heart and purpose, pointing out the group's excellence in nuance and restraint as well as diversity, while other pieces like  "Mongolian Boots" by Se Enkhbayar showed off some of their well-honed specialization in the choral art. Difficult in execution, the singers present the music with ease. Each section in the choir is powerful and strong, particularly their stable and powerful bass section. "Veniki" by Feodicy Rubstov showed the group's diversity in style and dedication to authenticity.  Calalang is truly a master in front of these young people, as they look both extremely focused and extremely confident as they perform.

A major highlight of the evening was a performance of "Kruhay" by Benny Castillon. For the piece, the women donned bells onto their fingers and executing some elegant hand movements, while by contrast the men's choreography included very masculine and powerful stance and percussive arm gestures. The piece was technically difficult and quite dazzling in performance. As the drama of the work unfolded, the choir moved into new positions that highlighted the color contrasts in their outfits and provided an effective visual for the highly-dynamic work that would stretch any lesser choir's capabilities. Also showing off the choir's massive range and technical skills was "Banwar Iti Cordillera" by Normita Rio Pablico, highlighting the confidence and power of their singers, particularly their soprano section and the hauntingly exquisite voice of soloist Kristel Deocampo.

Toward the end of the program the men stepped off-stage leaving the women behind and Calalang at the piano to perform "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" from Stephen Sondheim's 1970 broadway hit Company. With inspired and delightful choreography, the women of the choir displayed charming showmanship that left the audience grinning. The choir has mastered the art of presenting both artistic and challenging work (to both the singers and the audience) as well as more accessible audience-pleasers. Along with the Sondheim piece and some very charming traditional Tagalog pieces, they sang a lovely rendition of "Go the Distance" from the Disney film Hercules featuring soloist Karl Nicholas Lauron who was as genuine as can be with a stunningly beautiful voice.

Prof. Fidel Calalang Jr.

The UST Singers are a superb ensemble. Not completely free from technical errors, on occasion their tendency to over-sing creates tuning and balance issues. However at first glimmer of anything like this happened, they are quick to repair it almost before one even notices something is amiss. This is surely to credit their very talented director Fidel Calalang Jr. He is a gifted musician with absolutely complete knowledge of musical form and interpretation. When he isn't conducting the ensemble, he is dazzling us on the piano. Calalang is also and extremely talented composer/arranger and any choral conductor, performer, or fan not familiar with his work would be very wise familiarize themselves with him as his contribution to the world of choral arts is immeasurable.

Concluding the concert, the UST Singers sang a stirring rendition of "America the Beautiful." Never being a big fan of patriotic music, even I couldn't help but to be touched as this world-renowned choral ensemble from the Philippines took the time to learn a song special to the people they were performing for. Already a beautiful arrangement, they sang with such sincerity and gratitude, proving a perfect ending to a memorable night music.