Celebrating 20 Years in Harmony: FEU Chorale Marks Two Decades of Musical Excellence

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The Far Eastern University (FEU) Chorale has reached a major milestone, celebrating the 20th anniversary of its revival with a concert series titled “Dalawang Dekada: 20 Years in Harmony.” This momentous series not only honors the choir’s two-decade journey but also introduces its new Artistic Director, Mr. Roijin G. Suarez, a distinguished conductor with an impressive track record in choral music.

The concert series debuted on November 9, aligning with the 75th anniversary of the historic FEU Auditorium. This special performance paid homage to choral music’s evolution, tracing its roots from the Renaissance period through to contemporary compositions, underscoring the enduring beauty and cultural importance of choral performance. On Saturday, November 16, the FEU Chorale will continue the celebration with a mini-concert at the FEU Chapel, scheduled from 6 to 8 PM.

A Legacy of Musical Excellence

The FEU Chorale was initially revived in 2004 by Dr. Lourdes R. Montinola, then FEU Chair, as part of the university’s cultural initiatives under the FEU Center for the Arts. Since its revival, the chorale has achieved remarkable success, establishing itself as one of the premier choirs in the Philippines. Under the leadership of Emerson Hernandez (2004–2016), the chorale rose to prominence through national competitions and even performed alongside the esteemed Philippine Madrigal Singers in 2009.

From 2017 to 2023, Mr. Karl Angelo Tangco guided the FEU Chorale to international recognition, winning multiple awards, including First Prize in the Mixed Choir category and Second Prize in the Folk Song category at the 4th Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival in 2019. That same year, they also triumphed at the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in the Senior Choir Category. Most recently, the choir earned Second Prize at the Sing! Tarlac! Sing! Choral Festival and Competition in 2023 before representing the Philippines at the Asia Choral Grand Prix in Bali, Indonesia. The Ani Ng Dangal award, presented that year, further recognized their excellence in music.

Meet the New Artistic Director, Roijin G. Suarez


Stepping into his role in 2024, Mr. Roijin Suarez brings with him an impressive resume, with accolades including the Special Jury Prize for Most Promising Young Conductor at Singapore's Orientale Concentus International Choral Festival in 2017. He has led choirs to victory on international stages, including Germany’s Marktoberdorf International Chamber Choir Competition. His most recent achievement came in 2024, when he was named Most Promising Conductor at the Tokyo International Choir Competition. His leadership has already brought further acclaim to the FEU Chorale, as they were awarded the Grand Prix Champion title at the Sing, Tarlac, Sing! Choral Festival in June 2024.

Join the Celebration

Tickets for the November 16 mini-concert are now available, with a special discount for FEU community members at PHP 150, while general admission is PHP 200. For those interested in witnessing the FEU Chorale’s continuing journey, tickets for “Dalawang Dekada: 20 Years in Harmony” can be purchased here.

For updates on future performances, follow the FEU Chorale on Facebook and Instagram @feuchorale. Join FEU in celebrating the dedication and artistry that has shaped the FEU Chorale into a beacon of choral excellence in the Philippines and beyond.

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