1. What musical event in UP do you look forward to or regularly attend? Why?
“Overture Concert”—an annual concert held by the UP Mindanao Koro Kantahanay. The concert showcases the musical pieces that range from classical to cultural genres, and also introduces the new batch of official resident members in the said university choir.
2. Name one or two composers, performers (individual or group), or mentors from UP who have largely contributed to Philippine music. Discuss briefly his or her contributions.
Nico Alcala, an alumnus of UP Los Baños and the UP Diliman College of Music. He was affiliated with the Philippine Madrigal Singers as a resident composer and arranger. He is also a recipient of the Aaron Copland House Residency Award, among many other awards. Last November 15, 2016, his work “Mangá Pakalagián” was premiered at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
3. Aside from the current program offerings of the College of Music, what else, do you think, should the college offer or promote?
Perhaps a program or workshop that all other UP chorales from different campuses can also learn and benefit from the College of Music. The said college is in Diliman, making it difficult for aspiring singers and/or musicians from far-flung areas all over Philippines to come and learn from them. Part of their visions is to engage. This can help in fulfilling their vision.
