All Photos by Andy Tecson
Leo Nobleza had his earth angels watching over him as he sang with the combined choirs of four Catholic churches: St. Brendan, St. Monica, St. Paul the Apostle and St. Viktor. Together, they delivered a stirring performance of Mozart’s Requiem.
From the opening notes, the ensemble offered a superior interpretation. The sopranos, tenors and basses were perfectly on pitch, singing with the conviction of a group pouring out their last breath in prayer. Their unity transformed the church into a vessel of devotion and showed how sacred music can move both heart and spirit.
Mozart’s Requiem, famously unfinished at his death and long surrounded by mystery, carried new force on this night. Mozart once wrote, “I feel death. I taste it on my tongue.” Yet in this performance, the work came alive through 63 musicians who delivered it with power and discipline under the skillful leadership of director Vincent Dominguez. The result was an hour-long Requiem Mass rendered with depth, emotion and clarity.
The concert was the brainchild of Mr. Dominguez. After he shared the vision with Fr. Brian Castaneda, who immediately approved the idea, the project grew from concept to dream realized. It became a showcase of exceptional harmony and heartfelt expression.
The church was filled to capacity, with lines already forming thirty minutes before the doors opened. The excitement was unmistakable for this intercultural gathering of some of the finest parish singers in the community. Moments before the program began, Cardinal Roger Mahony took his seat in the front row.
It was a memorable night for parish leaders, musicians and friends.
Bravo to Vincent Dominguez, director; Katarina Monzon, soprano; Joung-A Monica Yun, mezzo soprano; Merrick Siebenaler, tenor; and Anthony Lauro, bass.
Warm congratulations to Leo Nobleza, Charmaine Normandia, Kim Santiaguel Cordero, Bebe Florida Tibon and Normandia. You made us proud!
Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 13 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.
