Madrigal Concert A Rousing Success!

The Sept. 29, 2007 concert of the 2007 European Grand Prix choir champion Madrigal Singers held at the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church was a rousing musical and financial success! Event chair Henry Torres and event financial chair Cherry Utleg proudly released record-setting data for the event: over 700 tickets sold to satisfied Madrigal Singer enthusiasts and over $15,000 in net profit!  Almost 100% of the proceeds have been earmarked by current board for its ongoing University of the Philippines Professorial Chair Endowment Program.

The Madz, as the Madrigal Singers are more fondly called, presented a balanced program to the delight of the concertgoers.  They performed their critically-acclaimed musical numbers that won them their 2007 European Grand Prix award during the first part of the program before singing more popular songs in the second half.  Both sets were warmly received by the appreciative audience composed not only by University of the Philippines alumni but by Filipino and Caucasian music enthusiasts as well.  UP Alumni Association Berkeley chapter president Alexis Zulueta presented to Madrigal Singer choirmaster Mark Carpio a well-deserved bouquet at the conclusion of the 2-hour concert.

The Madz were feted by the UPAA Berkeley chapter after the concert at the residence of Romi Beza, who had initiated the project last year during his term as chapter president.  Aside from Alexis Zulueta, Henry Torres, Cherry Utleg and Romi Beza, concert committee members and supporters Andette Las Pinas, Edna Victorino, Ceny Duldulao, Joe Aliling, Julie Hudson and Polly Cortez were on hand to ensure that the Madz were given the proper reception.  Philippine Consul Anton Mandap also joined the post-concert celebration which lasted through the early morning hours due to the impromptu, if not spirited, after-dinner singing by Henry Torres and Mark Carpio.

The UPAA Berkeley chapter would like to thank all those who have supported its latest fundraiser!  Aside from chapter members already mentioned, special thanks go to Henrie Fajardo-Boyd, Rose Ramos and Raffi and Diosy Rey for helping out at the concert venue!