The Philippine Normal University Chorale is an organization of students and alumni studying the various education courses in the Manila campus. Their varied specializations distinctly make their group unique, an assembly of music enthusiasts whose passion for music makes them blend their voices, let alone develop a dynamic personality needed by future educators.
The PNU Chorale traces its root in 1967 when Professor Loreto C. Gloria selected and trained a group of young college students. Then, this group began what later became the Philippine Normal College Koro Sampaguita, named after the national flower of the Philippines whose beauty, grace and strength typifies the Filipina. Performing in various musical presentations on and off campus, the Koro won acclaim. In 1982, the PNC Male Vocal Ensemble was formed to accommodate interested men college students. Professor Panaligan took over the training of the two groups, which continued to receive awards and citations from different choral competitions. In 1991, the Koro Sampaguita and the Male Vocal Ensemble fused to form the PNC Chorale. As an alumna of the Koro Sampaguita and a homegrown talent of the college, Professor Luzviminda B. Modelo directed the newly formed choir. When the college became a full- fledged university (the Philippine Normal School was established by the Americans in 1901), the PNC Chorale metamorphosed and became the Philippine Normal University Chorale.
Under Professor Modelo, the chorale has participated and won numerous competitions such as bagging the first prize honors in the Cantar Villancico en Intramuros in December 1991, the Concurso de Villancico sponsored by the Centro Cultural de la Embajada de Espaňa for three consecutive years, 1991 to 1993 and in the most prestigious choral competition in the Philippines, the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) for two years, 1993 when it garnered second prize and 1996, first prize. Equally the group landed first place in the Manila Choral Competition of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) for two consecutive years, 1994 and 1995, and the Philippine National Police Choral Competition in 1995.
The Chorale performs a repertoire of different styles and forms ranging from Renaissance, contemporary and popular music.
With the dictum “Music is the universal language of mankind”, the Chorale works hard to spread the message of peace and goodwill through their music, while showcasing the rich heritage of Filipino culture. Thus, these gifted students were also tapped to perform among others at Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) December Fiesta and the Manila Hotel Anniversary. In 1998, the Chorale had its premier performance of selected works of great Filipino composers, such as Lucio San Pedro’s “Lahing Kayumanggi”, Ramon Santos’ “Alingawngaw ng Kagitingan” and Josefino Toledo’s “Sang-daang Tagpi-tagpi” as tribute to the Philippine Centennial at the CCP. Most notably, the Chorale was invited to perform in a tribute for the King and Queen of Spain and in the 1998 Philippine International Choral Festival where the Chorale was hailed as one of the best university choirs in the Philippines. They also did televised shows such as the Concert at the Park, Paco Park Presents and recorded for various events.
In 2001, his Excellency Ambassador Tomas Rodriguez Pantoja of Spain to the Philippines has chosen the PNU Chorale to join the artistic production of Bravo Zarsuela held at the CCP which featured Spanish songs and dances, such as performed by Spanish zarzuelitas, bailarinas y cantantes, together with the ensemble of ballet Philippines. Also, the PNU Chorale has participated at Samu’t Saring Tinig, a concert of the best university choirs, both in 1999 and 2001 and they are again asked to participate in the said event on February 2005. In November of 2004, the Chorale performed in the Korean chamber opera, Transcendence, composed by Sukhi Kang, one of Korea’s top composers. The group performed with the Life and Dream Chamber Opera Singers composed of prominent Koren soloists. The group also became a part of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s Holiday Nights with PPO, performing J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat” and Ariel Ramirez’ “Navidad Nuestra” which was staged on December 2004.
The Chorale also had its taste of travel. In the local scene, the group has performed in the Northern Luzon, Central Visayas and Eastern Mindanao. Very recently, The PNU Chorale won first prize at the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Cultural Festival held in Iloilo City on July 2004. Also, it had the chance to perform in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California as part of the Philippine’s Centennial Celebration.
In October 2002, the PNU Chorale participated in the Young-Nak’s International Sacred Music Festival at Seoul, Korea, and in the 2 nd Choir Olympics Held at Busan, Republic of Korea from October 19 to 27, 2002 where they won two gold medals for musica sacra and mixed chamber choirs categories, and a silver medal for the folk musica a capppella category. In May 2004, the Chorale participated in the 33 rd Florilege Vocal de Tours Choral Competition in Tours, France. They were one of the finalists for the Mixed Chamber and Free Program categories.
In November 2005, the Chorale once again participated in another competition, Busan APEC International Choral Festival and Competition, and was able to bag three awards – a silver medal, Most Popular Choir and Best Conductor Award. The choir also toured South Korea and was able to go to cities like Busan, Gwangju, Chungnam Province and Seoul, where they performed in several churches and other venues.
With these accomplishments and opportunities, the Philippine Normal University Chorale continues to keep the torch of the university ablaze through its unrequited service in the PNU’s missions and goals. As a performing group, they stand firm in their vow to touch the heart and soul of every man through music.