In a celebration of music and harmony, the Saint Louis University (SLU) Glee Club and Tarlac Männerchor joined forces to present “Cantate Domino,” a magical choir concert on 29 November 2023 at the Fr. Joseph Van Den Daelen, CICM-Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) Theater. The event captivated audiences with its diverse repertoire of choral pieces, showcasing the exceptional talent and passion of both choirs.
The Tarlac Männerchor, an award-winning all-male choir ensemble comprising students and professionals committed to elevating Tarlaqueños’ singing to new heights, opened the gala under the baton of conductor Jero Anthony Buenviaje. Their performance commenced with a soul-stirring quartet of songs: “Penitensya,” a reflection on repentance; “Bapu Maria,” a Kapampangan rendition of “Ave Maria”; “Amazing Grace,” a moving narrative of divine intervention; and “Bonse Aba,” an uplifting African folk piece in Bemba language.
Following this mesmerizing start, the SLU Glee Club, led by conductor Normita Rio-Pablico, took the stage and captivated the audience with their own four remarkable renditions. Their repertoire included “Daluyong,” a tribute to Typhoon Yolanda survivors; “Let My Love Be Heard,” a poignant homage to the victims of the 2015 Paris attacks; “Koyu No Tebulul,” a vibrant T’boli folk song; and “Banwar iti Cordillera,” highlighting the lives of Cordillera heroes.
The Tarlac Männerchor returned with emotive performances of “Sana Maulit Muli,” a tribute after Julie Vega’s passing; “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” a soulful ode to silent struggles; “Munting Sanggol,” a Filipino Christmas narrative; and “Livin’ on a Prayer,” an anthem resonating with the working class.
In a harmonic exchange, the SLU Glee Club graced the stage once more, enchanting the audience with “Sa Kanyang Paglalayag,” a reflection on life’s highs and lows; an emotional “Disney Love Medley”; “Apat na Buwang Kapaskuhan,” a jubilant Filipino Christmas tradition; and an electrifying rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.”
As a touching prelude to the concert’s conclusion, two graduating Glee Club members delivered a special performance, reminiscing about their shared experiences at the CCA alongside their fellow members. Further, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, expressed gratitude by presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Tarlac Männerchor’s conductor Buenviaje for their choir’s outstanding collaboration with the University’s Glee Club.
Further, as the night drew to a close, the SLU Glee Club and Tarlac Männerchor merged their voices in combined performances, including the charming “Baby it’s Cold Outside,” the playful “Macho si Santa,” and the crowning glory of the night, their self-composed masterpiece, “Cantate Domino.” The evening was a harmonious celebration of musical talent, leaving the audience with a lasting appreciation for the magic created when voices unite in song and passion.
