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Vienna, June 2, 2025 — The Ateneo Chamber Singers (ACS), under the masterful direction of Jonathan M. Velasco, delivered a powerful and moving performance at Canisius Church in Vienna’s 9th District on June 2. The concert, which drew both Filipino and foreign guests, featured a rich repertoire of sacred choral pieces and original Filipino compositions that captivated the audience from the first note to the last.
The evening was more than just a showcase of musical excellence. It was a benefit concert in support of the Philippine-Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), whose mission is to provide scholarships to talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr. Jane Abaya, President of PACES, emphasized the concert’s deeper purpose: “It’s about helping build a better future through education. Music is our bridge.”
The parish priest of Canisius Church warmly welcomed the ACS and thanked attendees for backing PACES’ educational cause. Philippine Ambassador to Austria, Evangelina “Luli” Arroyo-Bernas, expressed gratitude to the ensemble for bringing Filipino talent to the forefront in Vienna. “The Ateneo Chamber Singers have once again reminded us of the depth and soul of Filipino culture,” she said.
Since its founding in 2002, ACS has represented the Philippines on major international stages, earning top prizes, including Category Champion titles at the World Choir Games in Latvia, the Canta al Mar Choral Festival, and the Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía in Spain. In 2018, they were among only 16 groups invited to the elite 50th Tolosa International Choral Contest. Their collaborations have spanned global stars like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban, as well as projects such as the film Ignacio de Loyola and National Geographic’s Symphony for Our World.
Their Vienna performance reaffirmed ACS’s reputation for musical excellence and cultural pride while helping pave the way for young Filipinos striving for a brighter future.
- Hector Pascua
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