For the first time since 2018, musicians, choirs, and the faithful gathered together at the historic Manila Cathedral to celebrate the much-awaited return of the acclaimed Pipe Organ Concert, last Friday evening, October 13, 2023.
The “Mother Church” of the Philippines and home to the country’s biggest pipe organ, in partnership with Jesuit Communications, presented the Ninth edition of the Pipe Organ Concert carrying the theme, “Our Hearts, Healed, and Heard.”
Photos from Eric Paul Guanlao
Audiences who came to the Intramuros-based basilica witnessed a night of reflection, music, and thanksgiving, offering gratitude for the Lord’s manifold graces as we collectively move forward as missioners of Christ.
Moreover, the concert provided the faithful a space to actively listen and feel God’s constant presence through the guidance of diocesan priests. Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo, Minister for the Catechists in the Catechetical Foundation of the Archdiocese of Manila, spoke about God’s good and ever-present love. Father Joselito “Jojo” Buenafe, Director of Spiritual Formation of San Carlos Seminary, shared his thoughts on our response and mission as Easter people. Expounding on God’s merciful and compassionate love was Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila, Father Carmelo “Jek” Arada Jr.
Accompanying their reflections, were heartfelt songs about love, healing, and mission performed by the Manila Cathedral Basilica Choir and Alumni Priests of San Carlos Seminary, alongside choirs and guest artists from the Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM).
Expressing the love shared between God and Man in song with “I Love the Lord” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” were the Young Voices of the Philippines, under the baton of Dra. Ma. Maria Theresa Vizconde Roldan. Mike Shimamoto’s renditions of “Your Heart Today” and “Far Greater Love” celebrated God’s immeasurable love. Kammerchor Manila, under the baton of Anthony Go Villanueva, led the audience in surrendering to the Father’s healing love with “Cast Thy Burden” and “Better Than I.” Musica Chiesa’s “Paghahandog ng Sarili Medley” honored the memory of all those who passed during the pandemic. Award-winning soprano Lara Maigue sang God’s praises with her stirring performances of “Still We Sing Alleluia” and “I Beg to Fall in Love with Thee, My Lord.”
As the concert concluded with the encore performance of “Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri” and “Humayo’t Ihayag,” everyone in attendance indeed left with God’s love and mercy fully alive in their hearts.
In a Facebook post following the event, Jesuit Music Ministry Director, Lester Mendiola, expressed his sincere gratitude for the resounding success of the Manila Cathedral’s Ninth Pipe Organ Concert.
Photos from Patrick Romero
“Maraming salamat po to those who came last night and those who joined us online, all our artists and the production team,” he commended.
“Special thanks goes to the Manila Cathedral Team (Monsignor Rolly dela Cruz, Fr Viel Bautista, Romain Garry Evangelista Lazaro) for trusting us to produce this concert. Maraming, maraming salamat po!”
Relive the memories of “Our Hearts, Healed, and Heard.”
Watch the Manila Cathedral’s Ninth Pipe Organ Concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om8ccf4xyHo
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