Adamson University Chorale

The Adamson University Chorale (AdUC) is the official resident choir of Adamson University, Manila, Philippines. The ensemble is known for its versatility, theatrical stage presence, and participation in national choral festivals and competitions.

History

Early years and leadership of Mike

Before 2016, the Adamson University Chorale was conducted by Mike, a choirmaster from the Ramon Magsaysay High School Chorale. During this period, the group struggled to establish a strong presence in the local choral scene, which eventually led to his replacement.^{[citation needed]}

Tenure of Darwin Vargas (2016–2021)

In 2016, the choir came under the leadership of Darwin Vargas, founder of Los Cantantes de Manila (LCDM). Vargas’ tenure is regarded as the “golden era” of AdUC, during which the group flourished in both artistry and competition, winning multiple national prizes and championships.^{[citation needed]}

Some members of AdUC during this period would later join Los Cantantes de Manila.

Post-Vargas transition

Following Vargas’ departure in 2021, AdUC struggled to regain a strong competitive standing, though the ensemble has remained active. In 2025, the group was a finalist in the NCCA Koro National Choral Competition (NCR Cluster).^{[citation needed]}

Major Performances and Competitions

2016: Adamantes joint concert with Los Cantantes de Manila

In 2016, AdUC and LCDM held a joint concert titled Adamantes. The repertoire included Esto Les Digo (Kinley Lange), Bring Me Little Water, Sylvie (arr. Moira Smiley), Prayer of the Children (Kurt Bestor), and We Are the World as a tutti finale.^{[citation needed]}

2016: Las Piñas Chorale Festival

AdUC won the grand championship at the Las Piñas Chorale Festival in 2016 with a program that included Hilumin Mo ang Bayan Ko and We Are the World. In this competition, the ensemble prevailed over the University of the East Chorale under Anna Tabita Abeleda-Piquero, one of Vargas’ former mentors. Vargas later succeeded Piquero as conductor of the UE Chorale.^{[citation needed]}

2017–2020: PHILTOA Eco Chorale Competition

From 2017 to 2020, AdUC consistently finished as first runner-up at the PHILTOA Eco Chorale Competition. Their repertoire included works such as Gapas (Eudenice Palaruan), Chua-ay, Wiyawi, and Magsimula Ka.^{[citation needed]}

2017–2019: Fiesta República Chorale Competition

AdUC also placed first runner-up at the Fiesta República Chorale Competition from 2017 to 2019. Partial repertoire included Chua-ay, Wiyawi, Amahan Namo, and Ama Namin.^{[citation needed]}

2019: MBC National Chorale Festival

AdUC won the championship and Best Show Choir award at the 2019 MBC National Chorale Festival. Their program featured Anoj Pusej, Mate Saule (Ēriks Ešenvalds), and a mashup of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You. Following the fire at Star City in 2020, the festival was discontinued, making AdUC the last and long-reigning champion.^{[citation needed]}

2019: Aliw Awards

In 2019, AdUC received a nomination for Best Chorale Group at the Aliw Awards, coinciding with their peak year of recognition.^{[citation needed]}

2025: NCCA Koro National Choral Competition

AdUC was a finalist in the 2025 NCR Cluster of the NCCA’s national choral competition.^{[citation needed]}

Repertoire

AdUC is recognized for a wide-ranging repertoire that blends sacred, folk, and popular music:

Folk works:

Gapas
Chua-ay
Anoj Pusej

Sacred works:

Mate Saule
Amahan Namo
Ama Namin.

OPM and patriotic:

Magsimula Ka Hilumin
Mo Ang
Bayan Ko

Show choir/theatrical:

Bohemian Rhapsody / We Will Rock You mashup
We Are the World

Legacy

Many alumni of AdUC went on to perform with Los Cantantes de Manila.

The Vargas era (2016–2021) is widely remembered as the ensemble’s golden age, with national recognition and championships.

The 2019 MBC victory granted AdUC the distinction of being the festival’s last reigning champion.^{[citation needed]}

References

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