The Philippine Madrigal Singers Unesco Artists for Peace

The Philippine Madrigal Singers, one of the most awarded choirs in the world, made the country proud once again when they were designated by United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director General Koïchiro Matsuura as Artist for Peace.

The conferment was made on July 27 just before the group's concert at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris , France.

The Philippine Madrigal singers received this distinction "in recognition of their efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among peoples in Southeast Asia , their contribution to extend UNESCO's message of peace and tolerance, and their dedication to the ideals and aims of the Organization."

The choir is expected to support UNESCO programmes on cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue in the next two years.. Specific projects include a series of Concerts for Peace, a Sing for Peace festival and various choral singing classes, workshops and educational activities.

Other UNESCO Artists for Peace are musician Manu Dibango (Cameroon), actress Patricia Velasquez (Venezuela), musician Gilberto Gil (Brazil), dancer Miyako Yoshida (Japan), soprano Sumi Jo (Republic of Korea), singer and founder of the musical group Gypsy Kings Chico Bouchikhi (France) and conductor Valery Gergiev (Russian Federation).

The Philippine Madrigal Singers, known as the MADZ, were brought together in 1963 by music professor Andrea O. Veneracion. The group performs music of different genres but specializes in the Renaissance style for which it is named.

The choir has won numerous awards, including the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in 2007 ( Arezzo , Italy ). Its influence in the Philippines and throughout Asia is far-reaching.

Responsible for training more than 200 singers and choral music specialists since its creation, the group goes on tour twice a year, not only abroad but also to the most remote parts of the Philippines .

The Philippine Madrigal Singers will have a concert titled "MADZ About Love...Madz About Peace" at the CCP Main Theatre on Aug. 27 and 28 at 8 p.m.

The concert is presented by Unilever Philippnes, PLDT MyDSL, Sony Philippines, Sony Music and Cultural Center of the Philippines . Tickets are available at all Ticket World outlets or call 891-9999. Ticket prices are P2,000, P1,500, P1,000, P700, P500 and P200.