Last July 13, Jesuit Communications presented a most inspiring concert celebrating 50 years of Jesuit music entitled “Ginintuan”.
The concert, held at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City featured performers such as Bituin Escalante, soprano Lara Maigue and folk singer Noel Cabangon, Toto Sorioso and the Vespers Duo.
It also featured choirs such as Hangad, Himig Heswita and Friends, Koro Ilustrado, Musica Chiesa, Pansol Choir, Tinig Barangka and Bukas Palad (video seen here).
But the real stars of the show were “babies” of the great late Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, lyricist and composer, who have followed in his footsteps of not only singing but creating great music for the Lord: Fr. Arnel Aquino, Fr. Manoling Francisco and no less than His Eminence Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. (Did you know that Cardinal Tagle wrote a few Jesuit songs himself?! Yes he is a talented lyricist, too!)
The concert, while a celebration of Jesuit music in general, was a tribute to Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, who gave us such songs as ”Ama Namin,” “Papuri sa Diyos,” “Luwalhati,” “Santo,” “Kordero ng Diyos,” “Pananagutan,” and “Magnificat.” These are songs that he composed in response to the 1967 decision of the Second Vatican Council to allow new liturgical music to be written to suit the needs of a particular country.
He was so prolific in making music that he was soon recognized as the “Father of Filipino Liturgical Music.”
Although he passed away at 85 years of age in 2008, Father Honti, as he was fondly called, continues to live with us through his music.
In this video, Bukas Palad once again keeps the spirit of Father Honti alive with their joyful and heartfelt interpretation of his songs.
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