Due to insistent public demand, the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC), or simply Korus, returns to the UP Theater on February 17, 2024 (Saturday) for “Sama-Sama Together Again” — a repeat of their sold-out 60th anniversary show. This year’s show is made more special as past and present UPCC members are singing together to raise funds for various worthy causes. UP Concert Chorus Alumni Association (UPCCAA) President Atty. Dot Gancayco says, “The proceeds will fund the various socio-civic activities of the UPCCAA, the establishment of a formal UPCCAA choir, and help defray the costs of the current UPCC members as they represent the Philippines in their 25th International Goodwill and Cultural Concert Tour in 2024.”
Followers of the beloved university choir will recall that 2023’s “Sama-Sama Together” marked 60 years of the UPCC with tunes of various musical genres such as liturgical, classical, opera, Filipino folk, Broadway and pop, and songs performed in UPCC’s trademark choreographed a capella. Rave reviews poured in with no less than National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab a.k.a. Mr. C describing the concert as “unparalleled.” Mr. C. explains, “Alumni homecomings are a dime a dozen and can wield thousands of participants, but the UPCC is unique. They all sing, move in unison, dance in choreographed splendor and have fun. Pati the audience had fun. And the tradition continues.”
The upcoming concert brings back all six decades of UPCC batches—whose ages range from their teens to their 80s—including singer-comedienne Nanette Inventor, past conductors Dr. Joel Navarro and Dr. Ed Manguiat, and current UPCC conductor Prof. Jai Aracama, among many other illustrious UPCC alumni.
UPCC alumnus Rico M. Mortel, who is directing “Sama-Sama Together Again”, says “This year, we are standing for the continuation of the legacy of excellence and creativity in the next generation of UPCC performers. The alumni will surely return to the stage with the same gusto and enthusiasm, but the current batch will shine even brighter this time around.”
“Sama-Sama Together Again” Concert Chairperson Atty. Shaina Ramirez encourages UPCC friends to buy their tickets early. She says, “The repeat is also for those who were not able to watch last year because the concert sold out three weeks before the show date.”
Direk Rico adds, “This show is really for those folks who missed it (both the audience and the performers) the last time and could not wait for another five years or so to see the UPCC alumni take the stage again. I think it will be even better the second time around.”
Ticket may be purchased at https://upconcertchorusalumni.helixpay.ph/
For inquiries about “Sama-Sama Together Again,” contact Lowell Reyes at 09228050471 or email upccalumniassociation@gmail.com. For updates about UPCC, like and follow the UP Concert Chorus Facebook page.
