A Symphony of Nations: 35 Choirs Gather for the 6th Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival in Manila

Manila, Philippines — This August 20–24, 2025, the halls of Arete and other venues within the Ateneo de Manila University will echo with extraordinary harmonies as the 6th Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival (AOVICF) convenes thirty-five choirs from the Philippines and around the world.

A biennial tribute to National Artist for Music Andrea O. Veneracion, the legendary founder of the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Festival is a beacon of choral artistry in Asia. More than a competition, it is a vibrant meeting of cultures, traditions, and artistry—where voices unite to transcend borders.

The choral festival is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Philippine Madrigal Singers and in partnership with Areté, Ateneo de Manila University to promote and develop the choral movement in the Philippines and across Asia.

Six Categories, One Celebration of Harmony

The 2025 edition opens six competition stages, each with its own distinct character:

• Children’s Choir – young talents aged 14 and below:
  Bacoor Hope Children’s Chorus, Kirana Teenage Choir, Marbel Children’s Chorus, Sta. Teresa College Children’s Choir
  
• Equal Voices – singers aged 15 and above performing within the same vocal range:
  Koro Ilustrado, Miriam College High School Glee Club, St. Scholastica’s College Manila High School Glee Club, Tarlac Männerchor
  
• Folk Song and Indigenous Music – preserving cultural heritage through mixed and equal voice ensembles:
  Bacoor Hope Children’s Chorus, Coro Regina Coeli, De La Salle University Chorale, FLOICE, Holy Angel University Chorale, Letran Singing Ambassadors, MSU-IIT Octava Choral Society, Saint Louis University Glee Club, Silay City Chorale, Sta. Teresa College Children’s Choir, Tarlac State University Chorale, Ubaya Choir, University of Baguio Voices Chorale, University of the Cordilleras Chorale, USEP Harmonia Polifonica Chorale
  
• Mixed Choir – showcasing the rich textures of SATB ensembles:
  Coro Jesu, De La Salle University Chorale, De La Salle University Dasmariñas Chorale, Eastern Chamber Singers, Far Eastern University Chorale, Koro Seraphim, Letran Singing Ambassadors, MSU-IIT Octava Choral Society, NDMU Tambuli Singers, Novo Concertante Manila, Philippine Vocal Ensemble, Saint Louis University Glee Club, Tarlac State University Chorale, Technological Institute of the Philippines Choral Society, Ubaya Choir, University of the East Chorale, University of the Cordilleras Chorale
  
• Musica Sacra – sacred works spanning three distinct musical periods:
  CLSU Maestro Singers, Coro Jesu, Coro Regina Coeli, De La Salle University Dasmariñas Chorale, Eastern Chamber Singers, Far Eastern University Chorale, Himig Roseña, Holy Angel University Chorale, Koro ‘Sanghaya, Koro Seraphim, Miriam College High School Glee Club, MSU-IIT Octava Choral Society, Novo Concertante Manila, Philippine Vocal Ensemble, Sta. Teresa College Children’s Choir, University of the East Chorale, University of the Cordilleras Chorale, USEP Harmonia Polifonica Chorale
  
• Popular Music – familiar favorites reimagined for choral voices:
  Coro Regina Coeli, De La Salle University Dasmariñas Chorale, Eastern Chamber Singers, FLOICE, Himig Roseña, Koro ‘Sanghaya, Silay City Chorale, Technological Institute of the Philippines Choral Society, UNP Danggay Saririt Vocal Ensemble
  
  

A Festival Beyond Competition
At its core, AOVICF is not merely about winning titles—it is about fostering cultural exchange, deepening appreciation for choral music, and uniting communities through the shared joy of song. Choirs will not only compete, but also learn from one another, exchange artistic insights, and create lasting friendships.

Special Performances and Tickets
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies are free to the public. Tickets for the competition proper are priced at PHP 500. The grand Festival Finale Concert—featuring the Philippine Madrigal Singers—will be held on August 24 at 3:00 PM at Hyundai Hall, with Orchestra seats at PHP 2,000 and Balcony seats at PHP 1,500.

Discounts are offered for senior citizens, PWDs, students, government employees, national athletes, and military personnel. For ticket inquiries and group reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 0931 033 0880 or email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph.

Full schedules and updates are available at www.aovchoralfestph.com or via the official Facebook page of CCP Arts Education Programs.