Press Release
Founded in 1921 to answer the need for liturgical music at San Ignacio Church in Intramuros, the Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club (ACGC) stands as the oldest university chorale in the Philippines. Now celebrating its milestone 105th season, the ACGC has evolved from its pioneering beginnings into a premier ambassador of Filipino culture and a cornerstone of the national choral movement.
The legacy of the ACGC is defined by unparalleled success on both the local and global stage. Locally, the choir has triumphed in numerous competitions including the National Music Competitions for Young Artists. Internationally, it is a rare two-time qualifier for the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing and a two-time winner of the Fleischmann International Trophy in Ireland. Its storied competitive record includes sweeping all categories at the Miltenberg Competition in Germany and winning the 33rd International May Choir Competition in Bulgaria. This international standing was built under the baton of esteemed conductor-pedagogues including Drs. Joel Navarro, Eudenice Palaruan, Jonathan Velasco, Ma. Lourdes Hermo, and Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng.
Today, under the musical leadership of Phoebe Bitoon-Fajardo, the ACGC bridges this prestigious legacy with a core advocacy for musical excellence and artistic depth, empowering singers to transcend technical mastery and discover the profound stories and meaning within the music. The organization remains committed to fostering a choral culture that is inclusive, inspired, and impactful. Most recently, the ACGC reaffirmed this dedication through the restaging of Masdan, O Yahweh, a poignant collection of songs for peace and freedom, and by serving as the official laboratory choir for the 2024 Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival, continuing a century long tradition of artistic excellence, service, and social involvement.
Recently, they are the IBOF guest choir, where they were accompanied by the Manila Baroque Ensemble, and conducted by Eudenice Palaruan in a concert titled “Treasures of the Baroque”. Read more about the 51st International Bamboo Organ Festival here.