SONOS, a gathering of 71 talented singers coming from established and world renowned choirs from 5 continents , 30 countries, world e-premiering a song that sings our hearts. To us enduring, the bereaved, and in memory of the departed, let us serenade you with "Come to Me" is a song of comfort and hope as the world passes through one of its darkest moments… a song written as the human history transits from old ways to new… a song that tells of God inviting humanity to relish and cherish rest, to look to the heavens and find comfort in knowing: He will deliver us. Allow me to acknowledge these wonderful singers, my friends all over the world whom I met in several festivals, competitions and tours through the years. Blessed to have 71 singers from 30 countries who are current members and alumni of esteemed choirs and groups - I couldn’t have asked of more. Grateful for sharing your time and talents into creating what we love most. Soli: Valeria Mictil - Puerto Rico Rhina Palma Cruz - Philippines SOPRANO 1 Merna Nicholls - South Africa Giulia Ravagnani - Italy Katrina Saga - Philippines Ženja Bruun - Estonia Marie Corsine Uy - Philippines Inggrid Patricia - Indonesia Raquel del Pino Herranz - Spain Bianca Lopez Aguila - Philippines Kaori Tsushima - Japan SOPRANO 2 Loubna Cherradi - Morocco Katherine Hung - Taiwan Nela Šarić - Croatia Magdalena Kalymon - Poland Lamyae Laazizi - Morocco Patricia Stevens Lahtinen - United States Beatriz del Pino Herranz - Spain Sonja Simanjuntak - Indonesia Phoebe Bitoon - Philippines ALTO 1 Marta Frigo - Italy Aleksandra Stec - Poland Aleli Villanueva Salazar - Philippines Başak Doğan - Turkey Mali Oliveira y Silva - Paraguay Aloysia Wisye Bwariat - Indonesia Ily Matthew Maniano - Philippines Jasna Žitnik - Slovenia Idamys Davila Del Valle - Puerto Rico ALTO 2 Hana Katsenes - USA, Germany Perlita Reyes - Philippines Chua Kai Xuan - Singapore Teele Utt - Estonia Betzabé Juárez - Mexico Riva Ferrer-Jose - Philippines Neja Žitnik - Slovenia Juliette Wagner - France Mari Esabel Valverde - United States TENOR 1 Berthold Schindler - Germany, Philippines Leonardo Barquilla - Cuba Sam Belter - Canada Tomy Virtucio - Philippines Lester Tanquilut - Philippines, USA Lim Zhi Kang - Singapore Thomas Lefrancois - France Tomas Icikzonas - Lithuania Marcus Lee - Singapore TENOR 2 Mikael Klaening - Sweden Ivan Yohan - Indonesia, Belgium Hannes Heinemann - Sweden Esteban Salazar Duque - Colombia Federico Bassetto - Italy Alfonso Giunta - Argentina Moran Guennou - France BASS 1 Rungtum Kiatsrichart - Thailand Xabier Ormazabal - Spain Schalk Zastron - South Africa Warlito Yalung - Philippines Kevin Tison - United States Anthony Villanueva - Philippines Luis Paulino López - Costa Rica Jet Tores - Philippines BASS 2 Aleksandr Švarc - Serbia Nicola Turazza - Italy Nil's Flores - Philippines Tim Chen - Taiwan Gabriel Reilly Andújar - Puerto Rico Joey Vargas - Philippines Žiga Berložnik - Slovenia Luis Fabián González - Puerto Rico Sebastian Gros - Germany Current and Alumni Singers from: Sofia Vokalensemble, Coralia, APZ Tone Tomšič, Philippine Madrigal Singers, Coro Universitario de Mendoza, Entrevoces, Batavia Madrigal Singers, Kup Taldea, Coeur National des Jeunes, Coro de Jovenes de Madrid, Coro Giovanile Italiano, Slovenian Philharmonic Choir, Vocal Art Ensemble of Sweden, Taipei Chamber Singers, Ateneo Chamber Singers, Chamber Choir of Europe, UP Singing Ambassadors, Gruppo Vocale Novecento, Kokopelli, Dallas Chamber Choir, One Chamber Choir, Fountain Valley Troubadours, Studiovokale Karlsruhe, Bangkok Voices, Chromas, Swara Voca Ensemble, Victoria Chorale, InChorus, Kammerchor Manila, Per se, Vodeon, Time Ensemble, Taipei Philharmonic Choir, Parahyangan Catholic University Choir, Klapa Cesarice, Himig Roseña, The Esoterics, Les Voix de Choeur - Maroc, Jazzva, Coro de Cámara Cecilia Espinosa, Tuks Camerata. Drone Credits: Murat Turna, Anthony Privitelli, Haytham Achkar, ZedArhe Faction, Florence.TV, AFP News, VOA News, Youtube Paithiyam Passaggio Script and Directing - Joey Vargas Video Editing - Nikko Villanueva World E-Premiere (7 June 2020) Come to Me from Matthew 11:28 SONOS | Voices of Hope Artistic Director - Ily Matthew Maniano Dee Gratias! To God be the Glory!

Looking for an exciting piece to program for this year? Allow me to introduce La Patasola, a compelling new work inspired by a Colombian mythical symbol of nature's wrath. This fierce guardian of the wilderness is known for protecting the natural world and punishing those who exploit or harm it. Experience the raw energy and fiery storytelling brought to life by the Stellenbosch University Choir under the masterful direction of André van der Merwe, all the way from South Africa. Their stellar and dynamic performance will captivate your soul and leave you utterly spellbound! Fun fact: This piece earned second prize at the 2021 Gustavo Gómez Ardila Composition Competition in Bucaramanga, Colombia Video credits: Stellenbosch University Choir

Stumbled upon this video this morning that I simply couldn’t resist sharing—a gem featuring the remarkable U.S. premiere of my new work Psaltera, performed by the acclaimed Batavia Madrigal Singers, one of Indonesia’s leading choirs, under the esteemed direction of Avip Priatna, live at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) 2National Conference last March in Dallas. The piece was also world premiered by this very group just a few months ago in Jakarta, and I remain deeply grateful. Maraming salamat Pak Avip and everyone, for breathing life into my work. Terima kasih banyak! Inspired by the word Psalter—a collection of psalms—this piece features carefully selected verses, arranged by yours truly, shaping them into a profound and poetic declaration of God’s majesty and protection. Video c/o 2025 ACDA National Conference To purchase the piece, please visit: www.ilymatthewmaniano.com/compositions

August is here, and that means the 'BER' months are just around the corner! Are you searching for a fresh and captivating Christmas carol for your holiday concerts? Discover the beautiful new piece, "Jesus Refulsit Omnium," performed by the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers and featuring one of the Philippines' most celebrated sopranos, Ms. Bianca Lopez Aguila. The text is believed to be the very first Christmas hymn, penned in the 4th century by St. Hilary of Poitiers. The title translates to "Jesus, Light of All the Nations," capturing the profound moment of realization that illuminated the Magi when they finally arrived at the stable where the infant Jesus lay. Explore more new works in Spotify: INFINITAS | The Choral Works of Ily Matthew Maniano Vol. II To purchase, visit: www.ilymatthewmaniano.com

I am truly in awe of how music possesses the extraordinary power to bring people together, transcending all boundaries of background and culture. Here, you will witness the remarkable talents of 35 incredible singers from across the Philippines, the Sing Philippines Youth Choir (SPYC). Please take a moment to experience their heartwarming, exceptional, and profoundly moving rendition of my composition, Aba Po Salve Regina—a bilingual setting of the timeless Latin Antiphon, Salve Regina. Their performance is a testament to the magic of collaboration, passion, and dedication. I couldn’t be prouder of what this remarkable group has accomplished in such short time, considering they traveled from all 12 regions of the country to come together for this extraordinary endeavor. They didn’t just shape this piece but also brought life to several outstanding works as they competed in one of the world’s most prestigious choral competitions. My deepest gratitude goes to every member of the SPYC, for infusing this work with such profound emotion and beauty. And a special thank you to the one person who made this incredible feat possible: my mentor, the ever-inspiring Mr. Mark Anthony Carpio. If only everyone knew just how busy he is, yet he tirelessly dedicates himself to his craft—this would not have been possible without him. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the phenomenal individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes. Your passion for the arts have turned this dream into a beautiful reality. #forevergrateful #deogratias Video Credits to: Ms. Odette Galura To purchase the piece, please visit www.ilymatthewmaniano.com/works

Today, we celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and sacrifices of all who work with heart and hands. And in the middle of all the busyness and long days, may we hold on to this promise: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28 To every worker carrying silent burdens, to those whose strength is stretched thin — may you find comfort in knowing that your rest is not only deserved, but divinely offered. With this song, I pray that you find peace in the arms of the One who gives true rest. Special thanks to: The Wartburg Choir, Dr. Lee Nelson, conductor Iowa, United States

The Amihan season holds a special place in my heart, cherished for the fair weather, gentle breezes, and cooler temperatures it brings. Inspired by the pleasantries of Amihan, I composed a song aptly titled "Amihan." This piece explores the intimate conversation between a person and the wind, capturing the essence of the season. Remarkably, it earned the Top Prize at the 2022 Busan International Choral Festival’s Competition. Back story: A few weeks before the deadline, the piece I was working on seemed to be going nowhere. I recalled doing a sketch earlier in the year, so I revisited it to see if it had a better chance of getting the job done as time was running out. Consequently, I decided to work with the latter, and that's how "Amihan" came into existence. Winning exceeded my expectations, given the piece's simplistic and minimalist approach. I never thought it would be sufficient for a composition competition. It was also the first time I had written my own text, and I wasn’t particularly confident about it. So yeah, it was a significant gamble. Nevertheless, I held onto a glimmer of hope, trusting that the judges would recognize the unique contrast it presented among the 45 entries from 22 different countries. During the awarding ceremony, a revered jury composer, whom I admire, expressed his admiration for the piece, labeling it a work of genius. Such words from him were a tremendous compliment and added to the joy and cherry on the top of this unexpected victory. P.S. Listen withe ear/headphones and listen til end, it's where the magic happens. =)

The song talks about the speaker asking the lamb if it knows who created and provided it with life and sustenance. The poem then reveals that the creator is referred to as a lamb as well, and described as gentle, meek, and mild. It emphasizes themes of innocence and purity, connecting the lamb to the divine and reflects the innocent and pure nature of a lamb while also alluding to religious and philosophical themes. "The Lamb" is a poem by the English poet and artist William Blake. It was published in 1789 as part of his collection titled "Songs of Innocence." This collection is known for its exploration of the themes of innocence, experience, and the contrasting states of the human soul. This piece received an honorable Mention at the 2022 Call for Scores by Ensemble Altera. to purchase, visit: www.ilymatthewmaniano.com/works

Good Vibes Sunday ✨ I’m sharing a piece close to my heart—my setting of Ama Namin (Our Father) from Missa Aguila, beautifully performed by the Vancouver Youth Choir under the direction of Carrie Tennant. This rendition features a lovely duet of sopranos, their voices intertwining like a gentle conversation—much like the crowing of roosters greeting the dawn as the golden light of sunrise slowly unveils the misty rice paddies. The inspiration for this piece came from a morning in Bali, in the middle of the rice paddies. Imagine the distant call of a rooster, the soft rustling of trees, and the warmth of the rising sun embracing the landscape. That serene yet vibrant moment found its way into the music. I originally wrote this piece as a wedding gift for my dear friends, Ian and Bianca—both colleagues from the Philippine Madrigal Singers. A melody woven with love and memories, meant to accompany them as they began their new journey together. May this music bring you a sense of peace and warmth today. Special thanks to: 🎥 Vancouver Youth Choir YouTube Page Carrie Tennant and the Vancouver Youth Choir, and the breathtakingly beautiful duet— their pristine, heartwarming voices weaving together in pure harmony!

I've always adored traveling, and one of the joys of being a composer is that you can simultaneously exist in multiple places through your music. Although I couldn't be there in person for a dear friend's wedding, in a sense, my music served as my proxy, ensuring its presence on their special day. Debuting the world premiere of 'Ubi Caritas' for equal voices, performed by a stellar ensemble under the direction of @ Richard Sparks at Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City on May 11, 2024. This piece was specially composed for the wedding of my dear friends, Enrico and John 🤗. To be fair, they only rehearsed the piece a few minutes before the

Fresh from its world premiere last week, here's a captivating performance one of my latest works, "O Salutaris Hostia," by the Wartburg Choir under the direction of Dr. Lee Nelson. Happy Listening! 😊 Notes: "O Salutaris Hostia" stands as one of the most renowned chants in existence. Often referred to as a benediction hymn, the composer conceived the piece as a depiction of travelers embarking on a journey at sea, seeking divine protection. The music boasts a soothing flow, punctuated by rises and falls, leaps, and soaring lines, evoking the sensation of sailing through ocean waves. The incorporation of drums draws inspiration from ancient traditions, enriching the composition with depth and symbolism. Believed by some to ward off malevolent spirits through their rhythm, these drums hold a significant place in historical contexts Video c/o First Plymouth Church, Lincoln, Nebraska

Commissioned and premiered by Dr. Kent Hatteberg and the UL Cardinal Singers during the height of the 2020 Pandemic. Text written by Sara Teasdale, that talks about life, its cycle, and how fleeting it is. To purchase the score: visit www.ilymatthewmaniano.com/works