The Philippine Madrigal Singers held a triumphant two-night concert titled “Madz About Love…Madz About Peace” at the Cultural Center of The Philippines (CCP) last Aug. 28 & 29.

The show coincided with the launch of their latest studio CD titled, “Madz in Love.” 

Although it was raining hard and traffic was heavy, people still found their way to the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo hall to take in the group’s highbrow musical extravaganza. 

The auditorium has definitely seen better days. Still, it was able to serve the purpose of such world-class talents as the Madrigal Singers.

The stage was bare in design, except for a semi-elevated platform and above average lighting set-up, and yet the hall resonated near perfect acoustics. And to think it did so sans microphone set-ups and hi-tech audio equipment!

A talented group honed by choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio,  The Madz delighted audiences with a repertoire consisting of a balanced mix of both classic and contemporary songs.

From the opening “Ummah, Sallih” to “Hymne a L’amour” to “Over The Rainbow,” the Madz enthralled the crowd with the counterpointing sopranos, tenors, and basses—punctuated every now and then by the lifting alto-soprano—making it clear that their "voices” were the real stars of the show.

Continuing with “C’est fini la comedie” and the more familiar “Night & Day,” “I’ll Take Care Of You,” and rock group Queen’s “Love Of My Life”, The Madz didn’t let up in showing off their top-notch skill.

Indeed, the group was as versatile as they were playful in weaving a seamless medley of pop songs. Some of these were Five for Fighting’s “Superman,” Wency Cornejo’s “Habang May Buhay,” Jim Photoglo’s “Will of the Wind,” and Eraserheads’ “Overdrive.”

The choir closed the show with Bette Midler’s “From A Distance” and Smokey Mountain’s “Paraiso.”

For encores, the Madz rendered “Heal The World,” “Circle Of Life,” and “One Friend” for which they were given a standing ovation.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers is this year’s Artist for Peace honoree bestowed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their endeavor of spreading peace worldwide through music.

As ambassadors of culture and goodwill, the Madz has had the privilege of giving command performances for royalty and heads of state over the years.

The UP Madrigal Singers was organized in 1963 national artist professor Andrea O. Veneracion, and is composed of students, faculty, and alumni from the different colleges of UP.

The choir is one of the most awarded in Asia and of the most prestigious choral competitions in the world.

Some of the remakes in their “Madz in Love” CD are “When I Fall In Love” (originally by Doris Day), “Teddy Bear” (Elvis Presley), “What Matters Most” (Kenny Rankin), “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” (popularized by The Platters), and “Moon River” (popularized by Andy Williams).