The Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines collaborates with the University of Santo Tomas to host “Sounds of Celebration: Sixty Years of EU-Philippines Relations”, a choral festival, to mark the 60 years of bilateral relations between the European Union and the Philippines.
The event will take place at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes OP Building (BGPOP), University of Santo Tomas, on 26 April 2024, featuring exceptional choral groups from all over the Philippines in a showcase of talent, musical diversity, and cultural exchange. The festival also coincides with the University of Santo Tomas’ 413th founding anniversary.
The theme of this event, “Sounds of Celebration”, is a recognition of how music can transcend borders and go beyond the barrier of language. Music is a worldwide language, and for this choral festival, music will be utilized to celebrate the 60 years of friendship and cooperation between the European Union and the Philippines.
The choral festival will feature performances by various choral groups, along with special recognitions. The “EU-Philippines Cultural Award” will recognize a choir’s outstanding performance, which highlights the diverse cultures of the European Union and the Philippines, fostering unity and cooperation in the realm of arts. “The Ambassador’s Choice Award” will be awarded to the choir whose performance best embodies cultural diplomacy.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the upcoming choral festival with the University of Santo Tomas, our partner since 2017,” said H. E. Luc Véron, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines. “As we honour the 60 years of EU-Philippines diplomatic relations, we hope that this festival will create lasting memories and an avenue for people to experience our unity in diversity between the EU and the Philippines.”