The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through the Cultural Exchange Department, in partnership with the Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Foundation, is delighted to welcome the Sing Philippines Youth Choir (SPYC) Batch 4. Comprising 39 talented choristers from 24 provinces and local communities nationwide, SPYC Batch 4 is set to embark on an enriching musical journey.
From July 19 to 23, 2023, the young choristers will gather in Manila for an intensive week-long music camp. Under the expert mentorship of Philippine Madrigal Singers (MADz) choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio and other choral music experts, the participants will undergo specialized training to further hone their singing skills and musical talents.
A special highlight of the music camp will be the SPYC’s exclusive participation in the MADz concert, which forms part of the esteemed AOV International Choral Festival. This special event will take place on July 23 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.
The inception of the Sing Philippines movement can be traced back to 2014 when the first batch of SPYC, comprising fifty (50) choristers from 19 provinces, was brought together. This inaugural group underwent a professional week-long music camp led by Mark Anthony Carpio himself. The Sing Philippines movement aims to bring to life the vision of National Artist Andrea O. Veneracion, envisioning a nation singing in harmony and united through music.
Subsequent years saw the formation of SPYC Batch 2 in 2016, which welcomed another set of 50 singers from 26 provinces, followed by Batch 3 in 2018 with 51 singers representing 37 provinces and cities. The dedication and talent of the Sing Philippines movement were further highlighted in 2019 when a tour group composed of participants from the first three batches competed and achieved remarkable success. They secured the 2nd Prize and Gold Diploma in the Classical Mixed & Equal Category, as well as a Gold Diploma in the Ethnic Category at the prestigious 2022 Busan International Choral Festival and Competition.
As the Sing Philippines Youth Choir continues to grow and thrive, the Cultural Center of the Philippines remains committed to nurturing the nation’s choral talent and promoting unity through the power of music. SPYC Batch 4 is poised to make its mark on the musical landscape, carrying forward the legacy of Andrea O. Veneracion and embodying the spirit of harmony that echoes throughout the Philippines.
Batch 4, organized during the pandemic last year, underwent virtual training and performance. This year, they will finally get the chance to make music together face-to-face. Some of them expressed their excitement for the music-making together and what the camp will give them as artists and individuals:
Two things: the appreciation of the value and beauty of discipline, and the joy of creating beautiful pieces of art alongside people with whom I share the same aspirations that facilitate peace, love, and unity. (Jeannard Ticong, tenor, Baguio City)
Art loses meaning when it does not connect with hearts and souls. This music camp will give me a better view and a richer understanding of this wonderful reality. (Rene Derek Joseph Inapan, Cebu City, Bass)
The F2F Music Camp and Performance give the significant privilege of sharing the beauty of actual vibrations. Beyond that, choral singing is honing deeper all the dimensions of man (physical, sociopolitical, emotional, spiritual) especially now that we are giving rebirth after the pandemic the unending quest of developing excellence through music making. (Alshamir Bryan Arripudin, alto, Zamboanga City)
The SPYC Batch 4’s daily music camp sessions will take place at the Prajna Hall of the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple (FGSMT) in Manila. As a dedicated partner and supporter of CCP, particularly its outreach and cultural exchange initiatives, FGSMT has played an integral role in fostering the development of young musical talents.
In 2022, FGSMT graciously hosted the SPYC Tour group before their journey to compete in Korea and the annual Kutitap multi-arts camp for indigenous children. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in creating meaningful opportunities for cultural enrichment and artistic growth.
With the addition of SPYC Batch 4, the choir now boasts an impressive roster of 213 singers hailing from 56 local communities across the Philippines. The SPYC’s continued expansion reflects its commitment to embracing diverse talents and uniting young voices from all corners of the country.
As the music camp unfolds at the serene Prajna Hall, participants will undoubtedly be inspired by the harmonious atmosphere and the shared passion for music. The collaboration between SPYC and FGSMT exemplifies the power of partnerships in nurturing artistic excellence and building bridges of cultural exchange.
Together, they are making a profound impact on the musical landscape of the Philippines, fostering a sense of community and unity through the universal language of music.
