For Art's Sake — Friends and supporters of the University of Santo Tomas come together for the UST Christmas Concert Gala. Photo By PAUL QUIAMBAO

MANILA, Philippines — Christmas carols once again filled the august halls of the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila with the holding of the 9th UST Christmas Concert Gala last December 1.

Also commemorating UST’s 400th year anniversary, the Christmas Concert Gala was mounted to benefit the Heritage Conservation of the university buildings, the University Museum, its priceless works of art, and for scholarships at the Conservatory of Music.

In his speech, UST Rector Fr. Rolando De La Rosa, O.P., said that the Christmas Gala Concert has done more than generate funds but has brought people with varying orientations together for a worthwhile cause.

“The Christmas Gala Concert is the fruit of the union between the University and people who have the passion for the arts and the passion for giving. The University becomes the center stage where cultural doyennes, the movers and shakers of the Philippine economy, philanthropists, politicians, art connoisseurs, impresarios, academics and students come together to witness a spectacular display of world-class University talents and lend their support to the school’s efforts at restoration,” De la Rosa said.

GLORIOUS PAST

The Christmas Gala Concert showcases the University not only as an institution with a glorious past but as hub for cultural activities, De la Rosa added.

“It has shown in a distinctly lyrical way that there lies within the bosom of the University priceless treasures — testaments to her glorious past and beacons to tomorrow brimming with hope and confidence to God’s unending grace,” he added.

Yet, De la Rosa emphasized that there is still a lot to be done for the restoration work of other paintings, the oldest of which dates back to the 18th century. An estimated R30 million are still be needed for the restoration of more than 100 paintings and artworks currently stored inside the UST Museum.

For the 10th anniversary of the UST Christmas concert in December 2012, De la Rosa said they hope that more people will come in to draw support to the conservation and restoration works of the University’s Museum of Arts and Sciences.

PURE TALENT

Ms. Ma. Cristina C. Zobel, co-chair for the Christmas Concert Gala 2011, reiterated her deepest appreciation to various donors and friends of UST for their support. She also congratulated UST and its officials for maintaining its steadfast mission to help build strong Christian communities through quality education.

“Your help has been most instrumental in restoring invaluable works of art that are embedded in our country’s rich history and culture. Your donations have also helped us to continue to provide for scholarships in the Conservatory of Music — whose students, faculty and alumni perform for us tonight,” Zobel said.

The UST Christmas Concert Gala has become a tradition in the Thomasian Community to echo the European practice of holding grand concerts in magnificent churches and cathedrals. The Gala‘s chairpersons are Fr. Isidro C. Abaño, O.P., executive director for quadricentennial activities and highlights, and Maricris C. Zobel, art patroness.

Among the performers for this year’s concert were the UST Singers, Coro Tomasino, and Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble. Featured vocalists included Rachel Gerodias, Sim Sung Hye, Nenen Espina, Thea Perez, Naomi Sison, Lemuel de la Cruz, Eugene de los Santos, Ronan Ferrer and Andrew Fernando. Other featured talent include pianist Dr. Raul. M. Sunico, dean of the UST Conservatory of Music.

Providing accompaniment was the UST Symphony Orchestra (USTSO) under the baton of Prof. Herminigildo Ranera.

One of the highlights of the Quadricentennial Christmas Gala Concert was the ringing of the newly installed Carillon bells in front of the UST Chapel.

Among the personalities who graced the occasion were Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, UST Vice Rector Rev. Fr. Pablo Tiong, the Zobel family headed by Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Dr. Vicki Belo, Ambassadors Roberto Mayorga of Chile, Agnes Nyamande-Pitso of South Africa and Nguyen Vu Tu of Vietnam, diplomats, UST officials, businessmen and many more.