TACLOBAN CITY – The’ Kanta Binisayà’ Choral Festival Concert successfully held its grand performance on Saturday, March 29, at the People’s Center in Tacloban City, featuring talented choral groups from Eastern Visayas and a guest performance from Mindanao.
The event marked the culmination of a series of activities that began with the Intense Book and Logo Launch in January, followed by a capability training seminar for local conductors and choirs in February, and a choral clinic in March.
Six choral groups from Eastern Visayas showcased their artistry during the concert, including LNU Philharmonic Singers (Leyte Normal University); Praise Chanters (Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño); Rah Rah Rousers (Palo, Leyte); Sinag Koro Ensemble (Tacloban City);
SLSU Coro de Alcedo (Southern Leyte State University); and STEFTI Youth and Children’s Choir (Tacloban City).
The choirs performed sacred choral pieces, Kanta Binisayà choral arrangements, and OPM renditions. The evening was further enriched by a special performance from the multi-awarded University of Mindanao Chorale from Davao City.
“Kanta Binisayà is more than just a concert. It is a cultural movement, a legacy that will continue to nurture choral excellence in Eastern Visayas for years to come,” said Department of Tourism (DOT) Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes.
The DOT-8, along with the Office of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Tingog partylist, and Leyte Normal University, collaborated to ensure the festival’s success.
The initiative is spearheaded by Stephen Lagarde, a retired associate professor from the University of the Philippines-Tacloban Campus, who is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Eastern Visayas’ musical heritage.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
