The Filipino children choir Serenata will perform Friday at the American International School of Jeddah for the fifth year since it was organized in 2004. This time, as it was last year, it will sing to the hearts of an expected mixed audience with the backing of the two-year-old Serenata String Chamber Orchestra. The concert titled “In High Spirits,” which seeks to reflect the choir's “joy, excitement and energy,” will start at 6 P.M. Friday. This year, the choir will also be supported by three Jeddah-based young singers – Sonny Austria, Jeanette G. Cerbito and Ernest Troyss B. Pilapil - and will have a special guest from Manila, Tina Monson Palma of ABS-CBN television network. The children, whose ages range from eight to 15 years old, will sing musical medleys of Filipino and English songs, including Listen to the Rain, The Music of Life and Firefly. Based on its brochure provided to Kabayan, the program has been divided into three parts. In the first part, the children will sing eight songs and four songs in the second part. The String Chamber Orchestra will take the third part with sentimental and upbeat music of the Filipino trio APO Hiking Society and Beatles medley, among others. This year's concert is chaired by Charo Y. Hipos and choreographed by Cezzar N. Santos, under the musical direction by Sylvia de los Santos, one of the Serenata's three founding members. The program will be emceed by Ahjid Sayas. Overall director is Kiel Erida. As in the past years, the concern is expected to be attended by Filipino and foreign diplomats.
