Saluysoy, meaning “ripple,” celebrates the highly anticipated first performance of the OCTAVA CHORAL SOCIETY following the student’s return to the University for a face-to-face setup. Likewise, as the Academic Year commenced, the choir embraced numerous invitations from government, private, and religious institutions.
However, Saluysoy represents only one facet of Octava’s multifaceted musical journey. As Iskolar ng Bayan, their commitment extends beyond competitions and embraces the opportunity to contribute to the community through their music. In the words of their Director, through their vision, their aim is to
engage with our society and express sociopolitical and environmental commentaries through songs. We represent and preserve the memory of cultures and identities through our music. We highlight a vital, humanistic responsibility for holistic change and progress through research-based performances.
With palpable anticipation coursing through the air, the concert hall pulsated with an electric atmosphere. As the stage bathed in a cascade of lights, a breathtaking spectacle unfurled before the audience’s eyes—a resplendent choir stood poised, their regal presence enhanced by their immaculate formal attire. The male singers stood tall, their cobalt blue accents adding a touch of elegance, while the female singers graced the stage in flowing cobalt blue gowns, embodying grace and allure.
When the conductor’s hands were suspended in the air and shifted to dance, a hush fell over the audience. The first notes emerged, wafting through the air like floating dandelions, as the choir demonstrated their incredible ability to transform their voices into instruments. The human voice, versatile and evocative, was given wings to soar above what was possible, carrying them away to a world of sublime beauty.
As the performance gracefully unfolded, the choir unveiled its exquisite repertoire, encompassing a rich tapestry of musical genres. From the timeless classical masterpieces like “Sing a Song of Sixpence” to the sacred depths of “Christi Mutter (Stabat Mater),” and from the vibrant echoes of Native Folk in “Dogalen A Mabaso” to the evocative melodies of contemporary compositions like “Remember Me,” the choir traversed diverse musical landscapes with finesse.
Each note, meticulously formulated, woven together seamlessly, forming a symphony transcending individual vocal boundaries. A collective force emerged, resonating deep within the soul of the listeners. The intricate layers of sound delicately intertwined, creating a mesmerising mosaic of emotions that left the audience spellbound, their hearts soaring with the sheer beauty of the performance. Ultimately, the choir’s concert was a celebration of music and a tribute to the rich diversity of cultures and languages. Through their repertoire, they traversed continents and eras, singing in multiple languages and paying homage to the universal language of music.
In a breathtaking reunion that transcended time, Octava extended a poignant invitation to their cherished alumni, drawing them into a harmonious embrace on the theatre’s stage. As the notes and voices danced along, a symphony of memories resonated through the air, defying the years of absence from the choir. The vibrant spirit of the choir shimmered brightly within their minds and hearts as they breathed life into the melodic masterpiece. With every note, the echoes of their collective journey grew stronger, carrying the timeless essence of their beloved chorus. And in a moment that felt like destiny, the Artistic Director proclaimed “Bituing Walang Ningning” as the choir’s favourite piece, a testament to the unwavering passion and enduring connection that binds them forever.
The Himno ng Pamantasang Mindanao, the University Hymn, emerged as the crescendo of this experience. As the last echoes of the hymn lingered, a hushed silence fell over the audience, their souls suspended in a state of profound awe. In that moment of stillness, the magnitude of the evening revealed itself. The concert had become an extraordinary testament, etching an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of all who bore witness—a testament to the timeless allure of choral music, the resplendent sound of beauty that resonates deep within the core of our being.
Otherwise, the concert concluded with a resounding ovation as the audience rose to their feet, their applause a tribute to the profound impact the choir had made.
In an era where genres like pop music often dominate the music industry, this night reminded us that the human voice, in all its purity and vulnerability, possesses a power that transcends beyond the realm of bustling instrumentals and the prevailing hegemony of conventional mainstream musical arrangements. While the success of mainstream genres is organically natural, it is essential to trace back the origin of the art of singing—with the utilisation of one’s voice, a testament to how vital the human voice is as an instrument in our history. The choir had harnessed this power and transformed it into an awe-inspiring experience, reminding us that within the realm of music, true beauty resides.
...Albeit, on that evening, souls were sporadic, each audience member a rare gem in the tapestry of interpretation. Within this delicate symphony of perceptions, one could discern a story unfolding—a tale of how the resplendent artistry of choir and classical music is perceived through different lenses. Some believe the genre emanates an aura, an elusive blend of intimidation and elitism that persists even in our modern age. A haunting psalm that lingers whispered in the hallowed halls of musical tradition.
Yet, the truth reveals itself in a poignant light. The enchantment of classical music has been veiled from the hearts of a few fortunate Filipinos, scarce souls who have had the privilege of acquainting themselves with its profound beauty. Thus, a paradox emerges—a scarcity of familiarity resulting in an ethereal barrier that seems to repulse the curious and inundated. Beyond the realm of concert halls, a different melody echoes through the corridors of education. The music curriculum in the Philippines, a silent protagonist in this narrative, I fear, bears the weight of inadequate enforcement.
It is crucial to emphasise that this phenomenon is not the fault of the choir, per se. Instead, they embrace a noble purpose, embarking on a journey to dismantle the misconceptions surrounding choir and classical music.
In the face of this symphonic injustice, the choir stands resolute, harmonising their efforts to share their melodies with the public. Their vision, a beacon of hope, calls upon them to transcend boundaries and create a symphony of inclusivity where every heart can resonate with the melodies that touch the soul. They orchestrated a symphony of change with unwavering resolve, daring to deconstruct the illusions that enveloped their passion. They extended a heartfelt invitation to the masses, casting aside the gates of exclusivity by offering free admission to their concert and numerous performances in a span of one week. It was an audacious act of love—an endeavour to reveal the mesmerising beauty hidden within the notes and to unveil the allure of chorale music to a world yearning to be captivated.
Alas, let the choir's artistry be a transformative force in this grand opus of life, allowing light it into the arid spaces of the archaic misconception. Let their melodies dance upon the air, enchanting hearts and minds and weaving a tapestry of solidarity and understanding. For in the realm of music, where emotions flow like a river, and harmonies intertwine like threads of destiny, true beauty emerges when barriers are shattered, and the melodies of the soul find solace in the hearts of all who listen.
And so, the memory of that night would forever remain imprinted in the minds of those who have witnessed the experience. For within the confines of that concert hall, Octava had not only performed a symphony; they went beyond it, and had conjured and emulated the artistic abstract of what beauty is—its rawness and its rare ethereal enchantment that appeals to the intrinsic human nature and entranced the crowd throughout. Indeed, a celebration of their sound and harmony.
About the Author
Reggy H. Bartido
Reggy is a Senior BA (Sociology) undergraduate student at the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). Currently, Mr. Bartido is the Editor-in-Chief of CASSayuran - the Official Student Publication of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) of MSU-IIT. Likewise, Mr. Bartido was a participant of the Ateneo School of Government and participate PH sponsored training on Campus Media: Media Ethics and Democracy in Action held at Ateneo De Manila University, last November 2022. The training was attended by 30 campus journalists over the country. Mr. Bartido was also given a participant status at the SAPA Mindanao Workshop for Journalism last February 2023 during the FEMSUSCO Meet.
About the Contributor
Rick Mathew Molo
Rick Mathew Licayan Molo is a fourth-year BA Sociology student at MSU-IIT. He was a chorale member of Corpus Christi Parochial School of Iligan's Chorale Group, Youth Minstrels. While, recently, his passion and dedication towards the academe have been fervent, it is only second to that of his admiration and appreciation of chorale music.
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