The Marian Choir then known as the Legion of Mary Choir was organized in 1983 through the benign efforts of Rev. Fr. Jojie Sayoc and Ms. Tricia Jacinto. As the group´s membership multiplied, they decided to adopt its present name in 1985. The choir is guided by its VISION of “Utilizing God’s - given talents for the service to humanity by ensuring a Productive, Empowered, and Spiritually Enlightened Youth in the Communities”. Its MISSION is “to uplift and develop the youth and the community through programs and services on health, livelihood, cultural and spiritual maturity that would enable them to be productive members of society.” The choir reached the apex of their achievements when Patrick Frias y Soriano took over in 1993. Mr. Frias transformed the choir into a group of singers that could rival the best choirs in Europe. Attesting to their musical growth is the wide selection of their current reportoire ranging from the renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic and modern periods, religious and secular music. The group specialized in A cappella music. In 1994, the choir instituted a project called “The Marian Choir of Cavite - Ministry Action Program”, a ten - year (1994- 2004) organizational renewal project which aims to empower its Mission and Vision to make a direct impact to lives of the communities in the Province of Cavite. It has five major objectives : (1) To improve the quality of life of the poor (2) Support the Local Church – the Diocese of Imus (3) Formation of the Catholic Family (4) Sharing of Resources and Developing “God given talent” for the community and (5) Intensify the promotion of respect and love for the elderly. The choir made history in the field of choral music by being the First Asian Church Choir to venture in a World Concert Tour and Pilgrimage (1996) winning accolades and honors for the Philippines and Asia. They competed and performed in the “world toughest“ choral competitions and choral festivals in Germany, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, France, Monaco, Switzerland, Belgium, The Netherlands and the United States and have sung in Eucharistic celebrations in churches and cathedrals in different cities worldwide. As part of their desire to intensify the promotion of respect and love for the elderly, as embodied in the Ministry Action Program, the choir offered songs and prayers to the elderly and terminally ill patients in nursing homes and hospitals in in Europe and the United States. Part of the proceeds from their major concerts in Belgium and The Netherlands went to ERDA, a non governmental organization of Father Pierre Tritz, SJ for the education of the poor in the Philippines. They also ventured in major Pilgrimages namely: Baneaux in Belgium, Zaragoza in Spain, Assisi in Italy and at the Vatican City to deepen their understanding of their catholic faith. The group eventually shared their experiences to the community by organizing medical missions, choral festivals, recollections and exhibits that would make the youth aware of the essence of helping and sharing through the examples of Christ. A powerful testimonial to their outstanding humanitarian service and excellence in choral music, the choir was named ASIA'S PREMIER CHURCH CHOIR (1997) after a research conducted by students at the University of Asia and the Pacific based on achievements of the different church choirs in the Philippines and Asia. Two years later (1999), the Municipal Government of Imus by virtue of Executive Order 02-95 named the Marian Choir of Cavite as the first organization recipient of the "General Licerio Topacio Outstanding Achievement Award" for its outstanding contribution in the field of Music. During their 2002 International Concert Tour the choir was awarded the “General Emilio Aguinaldo Leadership - Hall of Fame Award of America” sponsored by the Cavite Association of Southern America together with the City Government of San Diego – California, USA. They were also a Luzon finalist at the 2004 Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) for their humanitarian work for the people of Cavite. These awards further reinforce its standing as one of the world's best church choir as exemplified by its achievements in the Arts and its Socio-Civic thrust of helping and reaching out to the underprivileged sector of society. To date, the choir has performed in prestigious concert halls around the world including the Palau dela Musica in Barcelona (Spain), Blaisdall Concert Hall in Honolulu (Hawaii), Holy Audience with Pope John Paul II in Vatican City (Italy), Petrarca Theater in Arezzo (Italy), Teatro Marcelo in Rome (Italy), First Asian Choir to sing at the four major Basilicas in Rome: St Peter, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni Latherano and St Peter Outside the Wall (Italy) International Labor Organization Auditorium and the Olympic Center Auditorium in Geneva/Lausanne (Switzerland), Balboa Park Amphitheater in San Diego (USA), Cultural Center of the Philippines and Harbour Front Cultural Center in Toronto (Canada). The choir continues to hone its craft in choral singing. There is no doubt, however that they will overcome all obstacles in order to attain their highest goal: service to humanity and excellence in choral singing - all for the glory of God. |