ACCF features choral works, best choirs in region
CITY- On its fourth year of celebra tion, the Angeles City Chorale Festival (ACCF) took the stage by showing the performances of different chorale group in the country and the works of Maestro Joy T. Nilo during the event last October 21 at the Holy Angel University here.
In partnership with the Divine Majesty Male Choir, Tarlac Chamber Choir, and Holy Angel University Chorale, ACCF showcased performances of 13 different chorale groups in the country, singing the works of Joy T. Nilo, who is the featured composer of the year.
Among the participants in the festival are Bulacan Concertante, Central Luzon State University Maestro Singers, Himig Bulakeno, Tarlac National High School SPA Music Chorale, and Koro Sta. Lucia which came from Central Luzon.
Performers from Northern Luzon who also took the stage were Coro d'llera Music Ministry, Pangasinan Provincial Chorale, University of Baguio Voices Chorale, and Uradenta City University Music Ensemble, Emilio Aguinaldo College Chorale, Gloria Patri Singers, Koro Ilustrado, and Technological Institute of the Philippines Chorale Society. They all sang the works of several composers and at least one musical arrangement of the featured composer, Maestro Nilo.
On being a Maestro Maestro Nilo expressed his mixed emotions during the event, for being a featured arranger of this year's festival.
"Mixed emotions. Joyful, and at the same time, sad that my dad, whom I dedicate every music, has passed away. And also excited to listen to the music I created. Also I am joyful, glad that I see familiar faces in the audience," Nilo sai d.
Nilo said he is also glad to conduct both the Koro Sta. Lucia and Pangasinan Provincial Chorale because these groups served as an outlet for his music.
"Whenever there's something to be arranged I let them sing," he said.
Nilo shared the stage with Anna Piquero, his partner in chorale music for more than two decades. Nilo described her as someone "who interprets his [Nilo] music more than how he wants it to be."
Nilo is a Filipino composer who specializes in a capella chorale music, and also an arranger, pianist, music conductor, and a singer.
He has also done commissioned works for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Technological Institute of the Philippines Choral Society, UST Symphony Orchestra, Manila Symphony and World Youth Orchestra, among ot h er s.
Nilo's works as an orchestrator ranges from ethnic and traditional to electronic and popular music.
According to Eric Robert Santos, "Joy T. Nilo was chosen as the featured composer because he met the qualifications and was nominated by the group."
Majestic choral performances
Some chorale groups' performances in the festival ranged from ethnic music to original Filipino songs.
One of the performers in the event said that performing the featured composer's works made them feel more appreciative of the works of a Filipino orchestrator and made them feel "proud of being a Fi l i p i no".
Apart from the 13 performances, a special performance from the University of Visayas Chorale Group was also applauded by the audience because of their uniqueness and reputation.
ACCF takes stand on authentic music
ACCF, on its fourth year, aims to promote original Filipino music and serve as an outlet for arrangers, according to Mr. Eric Robert Santos.
"It is also a venue for our featured arrangers to create new works, to promote original Filipino music, and to inspire young arrangers," Santos said.
Santos added that the festival features the best choral groups in the region.
According to him, "ACCF also promotes the use of legally acquired music sheets as this will help our arrangers not only financially but encourage them to do more."
Santos also expressed his gratitude over the audience for supporting the event. He added that their support "fueled and encouraged them to go forth." -