Audiences in the U.S. and Canada are raving about the performances of the Philippine Madrigal Singers (MADZ) as they deliver what has often been called "the most beautiful sound on earth."
To cap the festivities marking the 113th anniversary of Philippine independence, the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa staged a concert of the MADZ on Sunday, 10 July 2011, 5:00 p.m., at the St. Joseph's Church for the benefit of St. Joe's Supper Table.
MADZ' enthralling magic woven into a wide repertoire of classical, Filipino, international folksongs and pop hits roused the audience to several standing ovations at various points in the concert. From Caritas et amor and Nessun Dorma to an ABBA medley and Filipino songs, the MADZ invariably received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
"From two English Canadians who were absolutely thrilled by your performance and moved to tears more than once - many, many thanks and please return to Ottawa." - Sheila and John Wallser
"Absolutely awesome. La sonorité de l'église est incroyable. L ‘ensemble des choristes laisse sans voix. La version du Roi Lion est tout simplement incroyable. Merci pour ce moment de pure emotion." - Emmanuele Payan
"Das konzert der Madrigal Singers war sehr beeindruckend und unterhaltend. Die lebhaften Lieds giengen einem zu Herzen. Wir sind froh an diesem wunderschönen Abend teilnehmen durften. Thank you for this amazing evening! We enjoyed it." - Marie and Robyn from Germany
"As a young musician and music enthusiast, I was delighted by the P.M.S. The quality of their "singing was not only exquisitely performed, it radiated. Thank you! I only wished they performed more in Ottawa!" - Elaine Gauthier-Mamaril
"Absolute extraordinary. Among the best, if not the best choir I have heard." - Samuel Bruck, U.S. Embassy
"Their voices are like "angels". I got goosebumps listening to them." - Jhune Leonardo
"So...beautiful! Tears of joy just trickled down my cheeks! My heart swells with pride! What wonderful ambassadors! God bless you all..." - Nejie
"We enjoyed it very much. The group is very talented and generous as well. Mabuhay." - Bobit Mamaril
"So beautiful group; for sure everybody enjoyed. I am so happy that they considered coming over. Bravo Madrigal. Will see you again. Keep up the beautiful and unique voices" - Nora L. Côte and family
"Fantastic performance. Mixture of beautiful foreign songs, Pilipino medley that make us nostalgic, some comedy. Very well performed. Congratulations and thanks for coming to Canada and entertaining us. Have a nice stay in Canada." - Tessie M. Morin
"Great performance! Professional and neat! Good production and excellent singing. Congratulations." - John Lay, Ottawa
"Very awesome show/performance!" Missing the Philippines." - D. de la Rochefaucoult
"Excellent music making! More, more!" - Dem Magmanlae
"Awesome! Made me homesick. Excellent performance!" - Alpha Dayot-Haider
"The MADZ really made us proud as a Filipino. Their superb rendition of classical and modern songs are superb and unmatched by any choir that I have heard. Certainly international!" - Ringo Morella
"Fabulous concert! We are proud of you!" - Kim Vidal
"So elegant, amusing and splendid!" - Telly Joaquin
"How inspiring and uplifting music. Thank you so much" - Bing Lumiho
"Excellent! Very accomplished singers having fun. Thanks!" - Darrell Maxwell
"It was a treat...fabulous performance." - Henry Yrenay
"We can be proud as Filipinos hearing voices like the Madrigal Singers." - Roger Guevarre
"We found the Philippine singers very entertaining. They are very talented. We enjoyed the great performance." - Ambassador Kyaw Tim, Myanmar Embassy
"Excellent show. Spectacular performance. Good luck for the rest of the show." - Nadiah Rafie
"You should perform at the National Art Center!!! Suspend show." - Tess Lam
Since their international debut in 1969, MADZ has garnered grand prizes in prestigious choral competitions in Europe, notably the • European Grand Prix in Choral Singing (France, 1997), Grand Prix de la Ville de Tours (Florilege de tours, 2006) and the European Grand Prix in Choral Singing, Arrezzo (Italy, 2007).
Regarded as "The Best Choir in the World", "the Choir of Angels" and "Choir of the Heart" in various places in the world, the Madz has earned accolades for their renditions described as "fantastically flawless", "like silk and velvet" or possessing "beautiful, sonorous, magical piano and esprit française."
As UNESCO Artist for Peace and dedicated Ambassadors of Philippine music, the MADZ have performed for royalty and heads of state including Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, Presidents Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon, Queen Sofia of Spain, King Juan Carlos de Bourbon and Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.