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!

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

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. =)

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

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

La Patasola is one of the many Colombian myths and female folklore beings from the jungle. It appears in the form of a beautiful and seductive woman who lures a man away from his companions deep into the jungle. There, the Patasola reveals her true, hideous appearance as a one-legged creature with a lust for human flesh and blood. According to others, it attracts men by screaming for help before transforming into a murderous, blood-sucking beast. Despite being savage, she is believed to be a protector of plants, rivers, trees, and animals, thus she is unforgiving when humans enter her territory with the intent of destroying it. To purchase: visit www.ilymatthewmaniano.com/works

Sending good vibes to everyone! Fresh from their Lincoln Center concert, here's the marvelous performance of my "Gloria" by the Wartburg Choir led by Dr. Lee Nelson. Have a great weekend people! #DeoGratias #LausDeo If you're looking for an upbeat and lively opening or closing piece for your future programs, you may view a perusal score here: www.ilymatthewmaniano.com/works

Come sight-sing as I share this “Ama Namin” (Our Father), from Missa Aguila, specially written for my good friends Bianca and Ian Aguila’s wedding and exquisitely performed by Beyond, directed by Dr. Brandon Johnson, a new professional choir based in Michigan, USA. I remember writing most of the chunk of this piece in Bali, Indonesia, surrounded by nature, the crowing of the cocks, and that sunrise gleaming through the misty rice paddies. You’ll hear it through the first minute of the song. Happy Listening! To purchase, visit www.ilymatthewmaniano.com/works