Philippine Madrigal Singers Showcase Musical Diplomacy in Castelo de Vide for National Day and Terras sem Sombra Festival

Castelo de Vide, 10 June 2025 – The Philippine Madrigal Singers delivered a stirring and unforgettable performance on Saturday, 7 June 2025, at the Igreja de Santa Maria da Devesa in Castelo de Vide, Portugal. The concert was held as part of the Terras sem Sombra Festival and in celebration of Philippine National Day, drawing a full house that included members of the diplomatic corps, local government officials, the Filipino community, and audiences from across Portugal.

During the program, Dr. Antonio Pita, Mayor of Castelo de Vide, expressed his profound gratitude to the Philippine Embassy for sharing Filipino culture with the Castelo de Vide community.

In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador Paul Raymund P. Cortes extended his appreciation to the Municipality of Castelo de Vide and the Terras Sem Sombra Festival for the opportunity to celebrate Philippine National Day outside of Lisbon. He emphasized the significance of bringing the celebrations to the eastern part of Portugal, stating: "We want to share the culture, heart, and soul of the Filipino people”.

Dr. José António Falcão, Artistic Director of Terras sem Sombra Festival, acknowledged the presence of Professora Teresita Marques, a distinguished alumna of the Philippine Madrigal Singers and a prominent pillar of the Portuguese choral community, and highlighted her significant contributions to the advancement of Philippine musical diplomacy in Portugal. Dr. Falcão noted that the concert is the second performance by the Philippines as 2025 Country Guest of Honor of the Terras Sem Sombra Festival, and also expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Embassy for its enduring support to the Terras sem Sombra Festival.

Entitled A Volta do Globo:  Música Para os Novos Tempos (Around the Globe: Music for the New Times), the concert featured a diverse repertoire including Catholic songs, traditional and popular Filipino melodies, songs from India, Indonesia, and South Korea, and European avant-garde compositions.

This highly anticipated concert marked the culmination of the Philippine Weekend and the Philippine Embassy’s celebration of the Philippine National Day. Prior to the concert, the Philippine Embassy hosted a diplomatic reception, bringing together Portuguese officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Filipino community in Portugal. Guests enjoyed a selection of traditional Filipino dishes and performances from Castelo De Vide’s Bandustika and the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers were founded in 1963 by National Artist for Music Professor Andrea O. Veneracion (1999) and are currently under the direction of Maestro Mark Anthony Carpio. As UNESCO Artists for Peace, the Philippine Madrigal Singers continue to represent the Philippines on the global stage, building bridges through choral music and upholding the values of peace, cultural exchange, and artistic excellence.

By bringing Philippine talent and extending the celebration of Independence Day throughout Portugal, the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon remains committed to fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Philippines, thereby enhancing ties of friendship between Filipinos and Portuguese. END