Remembering Typhoon Yolanda this 2023 Christmas: UST holds Christmas concert for Typhoon Yolanda relief

UST Christmas Concert Gala 2013, a Reprint
UST holds Christmas concert for Typhoon Yolanda relief

In memory of the victims of the worst typhoon that hit Tacloban, Leyte, 10 years ago (November 13, 2013).

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Christmas Concert Gala, the most awaited musical event on campus, marks the beginning of a new decade with a significant purpose – to help the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

Lighting of the UST Christmas 2013

--------------------------------
UST CHRISTMAS CONCERT. The UST Christmas Concert Gala 2013 will be aired on IBC 13 on December 24, 2013 at 7:00pm-8:00pm, and PTV 4 on December 25, 2013 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

The UST Symphony Orchestra

Now on its 11th year, the Christmas Concert Gala has contributed to charitable causes particularly the heritage conservation efforts of the University and the scholarship fund of the Conservatory of Music.

This year, organizers decided to donate proceeds to the victims of typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas.

Spearheading the benefit concert are the UST Rector, Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. and the UST Christmas Concert Gala chairpersons, Fr. Isidro C. Abaño, O.P., UST Museum Director and Ms. Maricris C. Zobel, art patroness.

For this year, homegrown talents of the University will take center stage.

Guest performers include Dulce (photo) one of the country’s formidable belters and international competition winner who will do a rendition of J. Peterson’s “Night of Miracles” (A Christmas Cantata) and a duet with her son, David Cruz of A. Adam’s “O Holy Night.”

Two-time Choir of the World Champion; UST Singers (photo) under the baton of Prof. Fidel Calalang, Jr. and the first Children’s Choir of the World Champion, Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir (photo) conducted by Theresa V. Roldan will interpret popular choral pieces and Christmas classics.

Completing the roster of performers are students and alumni from the Conservatory of Music to be joined by the UST Symphony Orchestra, Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble and Coro Tomasino. (Photo below)

The traditional community singing will feature all-time favorites “Silent Night,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy to the World.”

Since its inception, the Christmas Concert has always been held at the UST Chapel, recreating the European tradition of holding grand concerts in magnificent churches and cathedrals. This is also UST’s way of giving thanks to its numerous friends and benefactors for the past years.Maiden performance was held at six in the evening on December 5, 2013 at the UST Chapel.

From Press release, UST

All star cast and traditional community singing of all time favorites “Silent Night,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy to the World.”

Photos taken by Dr Abe V Rotor
University of Santo Tomas, December 5, 2013.