The Philippine Madrigal Singers celebrate 60 years

The Philippine Madrigal Singers or the Madz is now 60 years old. More than 60, in fact, it is currently on a year-long celebration of its six decades of existence.

- BABY A. GIL

It was in 1963 when singer and arranger and future National Artist for Music Andrea Veneracion put together a group of teachers and students from the University of the Philippines College of Music to specifically perform madrigals. The madrigal is a type of secular choral music with poetic lyrics performed a cappella and characterized by beautiful harmonies. It was very popular during the Renaissance period.

As we know now, that little choir grew up into the most popular and most admired group of singers ever assembled in the Philippines. Under the guidance of Veneracion, who was lovingly referred to as Ma’am OA, The Madz enthralled music lovers all over the world with its expressive vocals and masterful handling of harmonies. The group distinguished itself by winning top prizes in the most prestigious choral competitions. Among these were the 1996 International Choral Competition in Tolosa, Spain and the 1997 European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in Tours, France.