AILM Chorale-Asian Ensemble is the performing arm of the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music (AILM), the premier center in Asia for church music. True to its name it caters to students from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, India, and China.
On October 3, 2014, AILM Chorale-Asian Ensemble, under the able baton of Prof. Naomi Paz Sison, mounted The Legacy to commemorate AILM’s 34th founding anniversary and to serve as a fitting tribute to Dr. Francisco F. Feliciano, the 2014 National Artist for Music and the founder, President and Director of AILM. Dr. Feliciano was a world-renowned composer and conductor, and was responsible for the composition of musical dramas and opera and countless worship songs. Moreover, he was the conductor of Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) for eight years. He passed away on September 19, 2014. As a side note, the members of PPO, artists and audience of the September 20 performance of Ballet Philippines’ Giselle observed a moment of silence to show respect for this great man. The program started with a short speech, then the members of the chorale group, scattered around St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary Chapel, started singing To the Unnamed Light.
AILM Chorale-Asian Ensemble performing From the Breath of God and Let the waves of Light both by Francisco Feliciano
The members convened in the center of the chapel and sang sacred songs that included Alleluia, Psalm 150 and Pater Noster.
150 by AILM Chorale-Asian Ensemble
Pater Noster by AILM Chorale-Asian Ensemble
The choir members also tackled folk songs like Pamulinawen arranged by Dr. Francisco Feliciano, Tula Tula and Mamayug.
Tula Tula by AILM Chorale-Asian Ensemble
There was a brief intermission between the performances to give way to a meaningful presentation about the highly successful and well-lived life of Dr. Feliciano.
The program continued with an interesting display of musical skills by the members of AILM Chorale. This shows that they are not only singers with angelic voices but they are also capable and creative instumentalists.
This entertaining and well-applauded number was followed by spiritual songs, Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel, My Lord What a Morning and John Saw Duh Numbuh. The program ended with pop songs which included Michelle, It was a Love and his Lass and Circle of Life.
Michelle (by John Lennon and Paul McCartney) performed by AILM Chorale-Asian Ensemble
Circle of Life (by Elton John) performed by AILM Chorale-Asian Ensemble
It was an interesting night for Laurence and I. As rain poured outside the chapel, we listened to the silvery voices of AILM Chorale slowly drowning out the pitter-pattering of raindrops.
I cannot end this entry without mentioning our meeting and conversation with the feisty Direk Aurora Yumul. A veteran character actress, theater director and Palanca awardee, she is an embodiment of intellect and passion combined in one hell of a fascinating package. Her stories are eye-opening narratives, and she provides an interesting look into the world of theater. She is part of Tony Mabesa’s The County Wife/Ang Misis kong Promdi which will be shown at Dulaang UP from November 19 to December 7, 2014.
Thank you, Gian Lopez of Fringe Benefits Production for inviting us.
For more information, please visit www.sambalikhaan.org.