#MusicPH - Harmony and Heart: AOVICF Manila 2025 Celebrates Choral Excellence

Music lovers in Manila were treated to a spectacular showcase of voices and artistry as the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival (AOVICF) returned for its sixth edition, filling August with unforgettable melodies and moments. Hosted by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in partnership with the Philippine Madrigal Singers and Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, this year’s festival was a vibrant celebration of choral music’s power to unite and inspire.

A Festival of Champions

AOVICF Manila 2025 brought together choirs from across the Philippines and beyond, competing in six categories: Children’s Choir, Equal Voices, Folk Song and Indigenous Music, Mixed Choir, Musica Sacra, and Popular Music. The event was a true testament to the diversity and talent of the choral community.

Among the standout winners were the Kirana Teenage Choir from Indonesia, who took home the Grand Champion title for Children’s Choir, and Koro Ilustrado from Makati City, who led the Equal Voices category. The Eastern Chamber Singers (ECS) of Antipolo City made a remarkable mark, winning both the Popular Music and Mixed Choir categories, while the Far Eastern University Chorale claimed the top spot in Musica Sacra. Folk Song and Indigenous Music was celebrated through the St. Louis University Glee Club from Baguio City, whose performance resonated with cultural pride.

Special prizes, cash awards, and trophies were given to the grand winners, with ECS and FEU Chorale earning the honor of representing the Philippines in the Asia Choral Grand Prix in the coming years.

New Voices, New Compositions

This year also marked the launch of the festival’s first Choral Composition Competition, shining a spotlight on original works from talented composers. Jem Talaroc’s “Salmo 96” was declared the Grand Prize winner, with Christian Bucal’s “Sopas” and Kawin Chinpong’s “Pho Mueng Tai” rounding out the top three. The shortlist featured a rich tapestry of pieces from the Philippines, USA, Brazil, Poland, Italy, and more—proof that choral music knows no borders.

A Vision for the Future

AOVICF Manila 2025 was more than a competition; it was a celebration of community, creativity, and the enduring legacy of Andrea O. Veneracion. CCP President Kaye C. Tinga captured the spirit of the festival, noting how music brings people together and opens minds to new stories woven into song. CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis M. Marasigan echoed this sentiment, honoring Ma’am OA’s passion for the arts and announcing that the Philippines will once again host the Asia Choral Grand Prix in 2027—a gathering of champions from across Asia.

As the festival closed, it left behind a chorus of hope and inspiration, nurturing talent and strengthening the bonds of the country’s vibrant arts community.

 

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