From Tolosa to Manila

Music, Friendship, and Full-Circle Moments

It’s always such a pleasure and privilege to welcome music friends from around the world and even more special when those friendships began on a competition stage.

Back in 2023, the Male Ensemble Philippines and Suhar Korua first crossed paths at the Tolosa International Choral Competition in Spain, where both our ensembles were honored with top prizes. To come together once again, this time in Manila, was truly meaningful—not as competitors, but as fellow artists united by our shared love for choral music.

Some snippets during the show c/o Irvinne Arenas

It was also a great honor to conduct these amazing ensembles, especially when one of the works on the program was my own. The concert concluded with my Gloria, which I had the privilege of conducting, followed by Izar Ederrak by Josu Elberdin, conducted by their conductor, Esteban Urzelai—a fitting conclusion to a concert named after this beautiful work.

Amaitu da! That's a wrap!

Hearing Izar Ederrak brought back wonderful memories for me. I first sang the SATB setting of this piece with the Philippine Madrigal Singers back in 2012, so hearing it again years later—and now experiencing it from a different perspective—was a particularly beautiful full-circle moment.

What made Suhar Korua’s visit even more special was seeing familiar faces and reconnecting with old friends, including some of their singers with whom we had the privilege of sharing the stage back in 2009. So much has changed since then, yet music somehow has a way of bringing us back together.

Post Concert with Mark Anthony Carpio & Esteban Urzelai

And of course, their visit was not all about singing! We had the chance to bring them around Manila, explore the beautiful Pinto Art Museum, appreciate contemporary Filipino art, discover some of Manila’s hidden gems, and—perhaps most importantly—eat our way through the city!

from L-R: Last Dinner in Manila, Night Cap in Poblacion, A Visit to Pinto Museum, Reconnecting with friends back in 2009 - after 17 years!

Eskerik Asko Suhar Korua, for the music, friendship, laughter, and wonderful memories. Until we meet again—perhaps on another stage, in another country, or simply around another table filled with good food and good stories.