Philippine Madrigal Singers Vienna Concert : Songs of the World, Echoes of Home

“There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.” — Albert Schweitzer

And on one luminous evening in Vienna — this timeless city where music breathes through gilded halls and cobbled streets — the first of those sacred refuges took the stage within the golden embrace of the Musikverein. Often hailed as the world’s most acoustically perfect concert hall, the Musikverein has borne witness to centuries of musical brilliance. And on this particular evening, it became the vessel for something quietly profound: a performance by the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

 

As they took their places — seated, as always, in a semicircle — the hall seemed to draw a collective breath. Then, with the gentlest swell of voices, time itself softened. Their a cappella harmonies, rich in tone and meticulously tuned, did not merely entertain; they offered refuge. In that moment, music became more than performance — it was a sanctuary, a balm, a whisper of solace in a world often frayed at the edges.

Vienna is the eleventh leg in their tour following performances in Russia, Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany and Poland. Her Excellency Evangelina Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, and Slovakia, was visibly moved as she warmly welcomed the Philippine Madrigal Singers to the stage of the Musikverein. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the group for bringing their music to Vienna, extending her appreciation as well to the distinguished guests — fellow diplomats and members of the local community — who joined in celebrating this special cultural evening.

Whether sacred hymns or playful folk songs, whether in Tagalog, English, German, Italian, French, or Latin — whether penned in 1154, 1824, 1944, or 1988 — the Madrigal Singers breathe life into each piece with stunning clarity and emotional precision. From the early mysticism of Widmann, the grandeur of Bruckner, to the theatrical flair of Lerner, the soul of Elton John, and the genius of Levi Celerio and Ryan Cayabyab, each song transcends language, time, and geography.

Each piece stirs the emotions — gently, deeply, and sometimes overwhelmingly. These aren’t merely performances; they are acts of connection, vessels of memory, pulses of shared humanity. Whether you are drawn to the spiritual intimacy of O Sacrum Convivium, the elegant celebration of Sanctus, or the familiar joy of Leron Leron Sinta, you are sure to find a moment where the music reaches you — and lingers.

Program – Part I:Sacred & Traditional Roots

• O Sacrum Convivium (Sacred Latin Hymn, Gianpaulo Eleria)
  A meditative piece celebrating the mystery of the Eucharist, full of reverence and stillness.

• Sanctus (from the Mass tradition, Ian Gabriel Corpuz)
  A soaring, celestial invocation of holiness, evoking the grandeur of the liturgy.

• Wohllauf, ihr Gäste – Widmann
  A festive German part-song, inviting guests with joyful exuberance.

• Cantiam, lieti cantiamo (Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi)
  A rhythmic and textural exploration rooted in chant, layered with contemporary vocal play.

• Dessus les marches de Arras (Orlando di Lasso)
  A French medieval piece echoing the steps of time, poetic and haunting.

• Leron Leron Sinta (Traditional Tagalog Folk Song)
  A playful and beloved Filipino tune, brimming with youthful charm and wit.

• Indian Songs Medley (Ghoomar, Ekla Cholo Re, Navrai Majhi, Bumbro)
  A rich list of indigenous themes, honoring traditions beyond borders.

• Du bist wie eine Blume  (Anton Bruckner)
  A tender German art song comparing the beloved to a delicate flower — intimate and lyrical.

• Comme d’Habitude – Claude François / Guilles Thibaut
  The original French version of the iconic “My Way.” A melancholic reflection on love, habit, and loss.

• Love Me Tender – Music by George Poulton
  An enduring ballad of gentle devotion. Simple, sincere, and timeless in its emotional reach.

• Circle of Life – Music by Elton John / Lyrics by Tim Rice
  An anthem of birth, death, and everything in between. Majestic, spiritual, and full of wonder. (Which we love from the movie “Lion King”.)

If the first half of the concert evokes reverence, reflection, and the beauty of tradition, the second half opens its arms to intimacy, longing, and cultural pride. Here, the Philippine Madrigal Singers embrace the sacred, the sentimental, and the socially conscious — from a simple prayer for peace to the bright glow of fireflies, from African-American spirituals to Filipino serenades.

This part of the journey speaks softly and deeply. It draws us closer — not only to the singers, but to ourselves. These are songs of compassion, devotion, memory, and hope — universal emotions rendered with extraordinary sensitivity. And just when the night feels almost complete, joy returns in full force, as the final encore lifts us from reflection into celebration.

Program – Part II: Reflections of Love, Light, and Home

• Prayer of St. Francis –  Allen Pote,  arr. Robert Delgado
  A choral setting of the beloved Christian prayer, this piece is a humble plea for peace, healing, and selflessness. Gentle and sincere, it sets a tone of grace.
• Alitaptap (Traditional Filipino children’s song, music by Josefino Toledo)
  “Firefly, firefly, show us your light…” A playful and shimmering musical painting of a Filipino childhood rhyme, full of whimsy and rhythmic charm.
• Deep River (Traditional African-American Spiritual, arr. Ily Matthew Maniano)
  A profoundly moving spiritual expressing longing for peace and eternal rest. Its deep harmonies and soaring dynamics evoke both pain and hope.
• Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal – Music by Ernani Cuenco / Lyrics by Levi Celerio
  A timeless Filipino love song, tender and sincere. Its message: “How much do I love you? So much more than life itself.”
• If Ever I Would Leave You – Lerner and Loewe
  From Camelot, this Broadway ballad speaks of enduring love through all seasons. A graceful blend of romanticism and elegance.
• Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika – Ryan Cayabyab
  A triumphant anthem that celebrates the richness and beauty of Filipino music. Energetic and proud, it resonates with national identity and artistic spirit.
• Paraiso – Ryan Cayabyab, arr. Christopher Borela
  A poignant and socially conscious piece portraying a child’s dream of a better world, set against a backdrop of poverty and struggle. Heart-rending yet hopeful.

And just when the evening seems to have offered every color of emotion, the Philippine Madrigal Singers return with one final surprise — “Da Coconut Nut” by Ryan Cayabyab. Infused with humor, wit, and rhythmic flair, this wildly entertaining piece celebrates the humble coconut tree in the most delightfully unexpected ways. With tongue-in-cheek lyrics and clever choral arrangement, it transforms a simple tropical subject into a riotous musical experience. A viral favorite across generations and cultures, this encore is more than just a comedic closer — it is a joyful reminder that great artistry includes the freedom to laugh, to play, and to connect with audiences through shared delight. A fitting end to a concert that began in reverence and concludes in rapture.

Though brief, we had the opportunity to speak with some of the Madz (as they are lovingly called) after their performance. They’re very elated having to perform in the City of Music, especially at the prestigious Musikverein, a stage revered worldwide and not easily secured.

“Performing here in Vienna — the City of Music — is already a dream,” Rona Jose shared, her eyes still bright from the experience. “But to do so at the Musikverein, a hall that has hosted the greatest musicians in history… it’s overwhelming. We’re deeply honored and incredibly grateful. This stage is not easy to come by, and to be here representing the Philippines, singing our stories — it’s beyond words.”

Beyond the joy of performing, they also spoke with quiet pride about their deeper role — not just as artists, but as cultural ambassadors. “We carry with us not only our voices, but the heart of the Filipino people,”Filianne Villaflor said. “Every note we sing is a piece of home — our stories, our faith, our humor, our resilience. To be able to share that with the world is a privilege we don’t take lightly.” Through their music, the Madz continue to build bridges between cultures, bringing the richness of Philippine heritage to global audiences with humility and passion

Albert Schweitzer spoke of music and cats as twin sanctuaries from life’s miseries. While no feline wandered the parquet floors of the Musikverein that night, the spirit of what they represent — comfort, stillness, an unspoken grace — was unmistakably present. The Madrigal Singers’ voices curled through the hall like the soft arch of a cat’s back — fluid, elegant, and serene.

For a city that birthed the symphonies of Beethoven and the waltzes of Strauss, it is no small thing to be reminded that beauty still evolves, still surprises. And on this night, from a country half a world away, the Philippine Madrigal Singers offered not just music, but a moment of peace — one of those rare evenings when sound becomes sanctuary, and the soul finds rest.

In Vienna, the city of music, in the Musikverein, a temple of sound — the quote found its truest echo.

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