The Philippine Madrigal Singers concluded their year-long anniversary celebration with a musical performance showcasing their extensive background. The event, billed The Grand Finale, wrapped up their “Intensixty” celebration and was held two Saturdays at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
We got a behind-the-scenes look at their rehearsals and a sneak peek of the show’s lineup. Here’s what we observed.
Typically, a Madz concert opens with a madrigal, a 16th-century vocal piece, but executive director Alfred Samonte hinted at a surprise.
“Expect something else,” he said, teasing a special opening number. True to his word, the concert began with a medley of Disney songs performed by the group’s Cosmic Artists, including the Male Ensemble Philippines, Lakbai Guitar Duo, violinist-vocalist Bri Cimafranca, and the Nightingales—groups that share ties with the Madz, with some members being alumni.
The Madz joined the stage for the climax of the medley, performing the hit song “A Million Dreams.” The mood shifted to a more solemn tone as they transitioned to a sacred piece, signaling the gathering in Christ’s banquet, followed by Filipino art songs like “Nahan” and “Alitaptap” by National Artists. The first set concluded with a medley from the musical Noli Me Tangere, composed by Ryan Cayabyab.
The second set brought back the familiar Madz sound, opening with their rendition of “The Prayer of St. Francis,” arranged by alumnus Robert Delgado, performed with their signature gestures. Alumni from the 1997 and 2007 batches took the stage, performing the winning pieces from their European Grand Prix victories.
The Madz also paid tribute to three choral groups that have brought pride to the country in recent international competitions—UP Manila Chorale, Sola Gratia Chorale, and the University of Mindanao Chorale—joining them in a shared love of music. In a powerful moment, they declared, “As long as we have music, we are free.”
The concert concluded with the Madz leading the audience in Sing, Philippines, Sing, celebrating their mission of spreading music across the nation.
In typical Madz fashion, an encore was held on the iconic PICC staircase, where alumni and current members performed “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika” and capped the evening with “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas,” a Sharon Cuneta classic.
The concert traced the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ history through songs that shaped their legacy. Their repertoire reflected their past, present, and future, honoring the vision of National Artist Andrea Veneracion to build a singing Philippines.
