Community Corner
'World Class Choir' Comes to Oakdale
Oakdale's Guardian Angels Catholic Church will host the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus, an international choir on a North American tour.
When Guardian Angels Catholic Church parish member Mar Alojado learned that the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus was coming to Minnesota, he knew that they'd be the perfect ensemble to perform at the church.
Alojado, a graduate of the University of the Philippines, is an active member in Minnesota's Filipino-American community. When he approached Roger Stratton, the church's music director, about the opportunity, Stratton thought it was a no-brainer.
"We have an extremely active Filipino-American community in our parish," Stratton said. "We've hosted the local Filipino caroling group the last few years, so hosting this choir felt right."
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While the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus has been performing for 50 years, this year marks the group's 20th international tour. The choir began their tour in Los Angeles, Calif. in May before making their way to Minnesota last week. The group of 28 singers leaves Thursday for Chicago.
"The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus is a world class choir," said Jeannine Nakpil-Lagman, co-chair of a choir committee that's part of the University of the Philippines Alumni in Minnesota (UPAM), a non-profit alumni group. "Listening to the choir sing is something that you can't describe. You really have to see and feel it."
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The Filipino choir wowed audience members at the University of St. Thomas during a performance on Saturday, May 26. Proceeds from that concert went toward UPAM's scholarship fund.
"We raise money through our scholarship program to help University of the Philippines students who are struggling through college," Nakpil-Lagman said. "It's our way of giving back to the Filipino community."
The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus will perform a wide variety of songs at Guardian Angels Catholic Church tonight, May 30, beginning at 7 p.m. While the event is free, Stratton is asking that attendees make a goodwill donation to help the choir with travel expenses.
"There will be a variety of music, traditional dress and choreography," Stratton said. "It should be a great show."