Novo Concertante Manila Wowed Kapampangan Audience with beautiful Christmas Songs

Novo Concertante Manila wowed their Kapampangan audience with their unforgettable renditions of Christmas songs during the Paskong Paolino: A Thanksgiving Through Carols. The concert was held last December 6, 2014, 6:30 p.m., at the St. Paul Novitiate Chapel, Sindalan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Novo Concertante Manila and Andrean Laboratory Vocal Ensemble preparing for a grand finale.

Under the direction of Mr. Arwin Tan, a Philippine Madrigal Singers (the Madz) alumnus, the choir carried on the madrigal tradition of a cappella singing. But, unlike the Madz, which now allows some accompaniments, the group prefer to sing strictly a cappella. It also has a conductor, Mr. Arwin Tan himself. Their renditions of traditional Christmas songs are unforgettable. Included in the repertoire were: Guy Forbes' O Nata Lux, Moses Hogan's Ride the Chariot, Freddie Aguilar's Anak, Lennon Mc Cartney's Lady Madonna and many more.  

Singing back to back with the Concertante is the Andrean Laboratory Vocal Ensemble (ALab) under the direction of Ms. Odette B. Galura and Mr. Joseph James L. Doak. ALab is an ensemble of singers from different choirs of St. Andrew Cathedral, Paranaque City. They entertained the crowd with their beautiful renditions of Gino Torres' Magnificat, John Rutter's Deck the Hall and Christmas Lullaby, Andre J. Thomas' African Noel and many more.

It was a heartwarming way to start the Christmas season. I look forward to seeing them again in their future concerts. With me at the concert are Mesdames Lula S. Elica, Grace F. Tyler and Maribeth C. Saladino.