The Philippine Embassy in Spain featured the Sing Philippines Youth Choir (SPYC) in two concerts held on 06-07 November 2024 at the Nicolas Salmeron Cultural Center in Chamartin, Madrid to commemorate the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Spain and the Philippines.
In his opening remarks on 07 November 2024, Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier invited the audience to open their hearts as the choir brings to life songs that echo the vibrant customs and traditions of the Philippines and to reflect on the profound connection that music forges between the two countries with a shared cultural heritage.
Maria Yolanda Estrada Madrid, Councillor President of the Chamartín District in Madrid, welcomed the concertgoers at the Nicolas Salmeron Cultural Center Auditorium and to Chamartin and remarked on the beautiful friendship of Spain and the Philippines.
Mr. Timothy Paul Atencio conducted the choir in both concerts. Included in the choir’s repertoire were the following songs: Ama Niamo, Aba Po Salve Regina, Jubilate Deo, I’m Gonna Sing ‘Til the Spirit Moves in My Heart, Wade in the Water, Arimaonga, Ikaw, Halina Halina, Kampana ng Simbahan, True Colors, Sing Philippines Sing, Adeste Fidelis, Circle of Life, Dantzantik, Rosas Pandan, Besame Mucho, Recuerda Me, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
Prior to arriving in Madrid, the choir already participated in the 55th Tolosa Choral Competition held on 31 October 2024, at Leidor Aretoa in Tolosa, Spain, and placed fourth-place in the Polyphony and Folklore categories, a remarkable feat given that they competed against 16 countries from around the world.
The concerts were organized in coordination with the CCP, the Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Foundation, the District of Chamartin, Migrant Workers Office and OWWA. The group also received support from PAGCOR and Newport World Resorts during their goodwill tour in Valencia, Barcelona, Basque-Northern Spain, Arronches, and Lisbon, Portugal.
