In celebration of the choir’s 20th year, the Ateneo Chamber Singers (ACS) launched their newest album, “ACCLAIM”, last May 14 at the Church of the Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University.
Beginning with a song-teaching workshop facilitated by ACS Music Director and Conductor, Jonathan Velasco, the launch was attended by choirs all over Metro Manila, all eager to learn more about ACS’ new Mass setting for Ordinary Time.
Fr. Bob Buenconsejo, SJ then presided over the celebration of the Holy Mass on Mother’s Day, where roses were distributed and a special blessing was given to mothers in attendance.
Also present at the launch were ACCLAIM’s composers, including National Artist for Music, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, his children Krina Cayabyab and Toma Cayabyab, joined by Trina Belamide.
“It is a unique collection of songs by composers who are part of the ACS family: former and current choir members, ACS guest singers, and even relatives of choir members,” describes Velasco of his group’s new album in its songbook introduction.
“We intended for this project to be sung by all church musicians who can choose these songs for Ordinary time and for Mass attendees who are eager for new music for the liturgy,” he elaborates on ACCLAIM’s overarching purpose.
“We intentionally kept the arrangements simple and beautiful, with uncomplicated chords and melodies that a congregation can easily learn.”
With the launch of ACCLAIM arriving 10 years after PROCLAIM!, a joint effort between ACS and Musica Chiesa, Velasco credits the full support of Jesuit Communications and the Jesuit Music Ministry for their latest success.
“We would like to acknowledge the work of Toto Sorioso, who did the mixing and mastering of the album. Our thanks also to Lester Mendiola, Rey Malipot, and the whole Jesuit Communications team for their unequivocal support and guidance.”
As ACS’ newest set of Mass songs will soon be heard at churches and by congregations across the country, Velasco quickly refers to the choir’s main reason for all their hard work.
“We offer ACCLAIM to the Eternal and Almighty God, the source of all our music and voices. May He bless our humble work, that it may be a fitting oblation to Him.”
The ACCLAIM Songbook is now available at the JesCom Online Shop (https://jescom.ph/josh/). Purchase your copy and listen to the digital album here: https://bfan.link/acclaim.
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