‘Koro’ to launch for Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino

IN celebration of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) this 2025, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) proudly launches the inaugural “Koro: Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino Chorale Competition.” The much-anticipated live culmination will take place on August 2, 2025, at the historic Metropolitan Theater in Manila.

Under Proclamation No. 933, s. 2014, which designates the last week of July each year as Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino, the NCCA is the lead agency tasked with spearheading this nationwide celebration of Filipino musical heritage.

FILIPINO MUSICAL HERITAGE The culmination of the inaugural ‘Koro: Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino Chorale Competition’ will take place on August 2, 2025, at the historic Metropolitan Theater in Manila. IMAGE FROM NCCA

This year’s competition is envisioned to highlight Original Pilipino Music (OPM) through a nationwide competition showcasing the beautiful harmony of music and the Filipino’s deep-rooted love for singing. It also serves as an avenue to promote the rich tradition of choral music, encouraging participation across all ages and sectors.

Divided into two categories, namely the Children’s Choir and Adult Choir, Koro aims to promote local choir groups from four geographic clusters: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Every participating group is expected to embody harmony, teamwork, and passion for Philippine music founded in eight (8) living music cultures of the Philippine: (1) music of the indigenous peoples; (2) music of the Bangsamoro peoples; (3) music of the lowland Philippines; (4) music of colonial influence (Spanish, American, Japanese, etc.); (5) music of the academe and Western tradition; (6) music of nationalism; (7) music of social transformation; and (8) music of popular culture and global influence.

To qualify for the competition, interested groups were required to submit an unedited audition video — a requirement applicable to both categories. The NCCA opened the call for entries on June 6, 2025, via its official Facebook page, providing ample time for groups to rehearse, record, and submit all necessary materials. The deadline for submissions was on June 30, 2025, for the adult competition and July 7, 2025, for the Children’s Choir Competition.

A panel of jurors will select two finalists per category per cluster to be officially announced on July 9, 2025. These finalists will advance to compete in the grand live performance on August 2, 2025, at the Metropolitan Theater.

In line with its mission to recognize and uplift emerging Filipino choral groups and conductors, the competition is open exclusively to groups and conductors who have not previously won in any national or international choral competition, including special awards or recognitions in the field.

Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial.