Professor Andrea O. Veneracion is considered as the most influential choral director in the Philippines, and one of the most respected in the world. For over forty years, she
was at the helm of the Philippine Madrigal Singers which she founded in 1963. Under her direction, the group consistently garnered top prizes in any competition they joined, thus catapulting the Philippine Madrigal Singers into the international choral music limelight.
Early in her career, Prof. Veneracion was established as a skilled pianist & accompanist, having two degrees in Music from the University of the Philippines. She discovered the joys of a capella singing Renaissance-style while pursuing a Master's Degree at the Indiana University in the United States. Her Vocal Pedagogy studies involved learning Madrigals, a song-form traditionally performed by an ensemble of singers seated around a table. Upon her return to the Philippines, she started a vocal ensemble of music faculty and students, performing Madrigals, seated in what would become their famous semi-circle formation. She devoted time in training her singers individually, focusing on impeccable vocal quality and musical expression. Her deep musicality was infectious, instilling a heightened sense of artistry among her singers, thus cementing the high standard of choral excellence of the Philippine Madrigal Singers.
In her quest for a unique and indigenous repertoire, Prof. Veneracion brought to light undiscovered treasures of Filipino music, popularizing the country’s vast array of folksongs through the choral medium. She encouraged Madz members to compose and arrange music in the Madrigal idiom, resulting in a vast catalogue of original Filipino choral works. The Philippine Madrigal Singers would soon perform these works all over the world and invitations to compete in international competitions soon followed. The rest, as they say, is history.
Because of Prof. Veneracion’s work, the Philippines today enjoys the unique distinction of having produced one of the most highly acclaimed and multi-awarded choirs in the world. Her tireless efforts prompted the Philippine government to confer to her the highest honor in the field of Arts and Culture, usually bestowed to composers. In 1998, Prof. Veneracion was given the National Artist Award for Music. In 2001, she was given the Distinguished Alumni Service Award by Indiana University. Now retired as choirmaster, Prof. Veneracion continues to shape the landscape of choral music through worshops and seminars held all over the Philippines and the throughout world. Her musical legacy has made her one of the most in-demand jurors for prestigious music competitions worldwide.
