The Abu Dhabi Concert Chorus (ADCC), an all-Filipino choral group known for its diverse musical repertoire, has been crowned Choir of the Year at The Fridge’s Choirfest Middle East 2025 in Dubai. This victory marks a significant milestone for the ensemble, solidifying their status as one of the UAE’s top choral groups.
“Winning Choirfest Middle East – Choir of the Year is an incredible honor and a dream come true for Abu Dhabi Concert Chorus,” shared Adrianne Gonzaga, the group’s Conductor & Musical Director with The Global Filipino Magazine. “As an all-Filipino choir representing Abu Dhabi, this victory is more than just a trophy—it’s a celebration of our passion, dedication, and the rich musical heritage of the Filipino people.”
The road to victory was far from easy for ADCC, as its members had to juggle full-time jobs and personal commitments while preparing for the competition. However, their unwavering dedication and teamwork pushed them to the top.
“One of the biggest challenges was balancing our individual commitments with the intense rehearsals needed to perfect our performance,” shared Ronald Trinio, the choir’s Coordinator. “Many of us have demanding jobs and family responsibilities, making it difficult to find time to rehearse together. But our shared passion for choral music and our deep sense of camaraderie kept us going.”
Their commitment to excellence was evident in every performance, as they refined their vocal techniques and stage presence through disciplined practice. “Every rehearsal was an opportunity to grow, and that collective determination ultimately led us to victory,” Trinio added.
A winning performance
ADCC’s winning setlist featured two powerful pieces: Padayon, a song symbolizing resilience and unity, and Let My Love Be Heard, an emotionally charged composition that highlights the beauty of human expression.
“Deciding on the songs is one of the most difficult tasks,” Gonzaga admitted. “We chose pieces that showcased our versatility and technical skill, while also carrying a deep emotional impact. Our goal was to transport the audience into the heart of our music and make them feel something profound.”
As a Filipino ensemble in the UAE, ADCC takes immense pride in showcasing the musical talent and rich cultural heritage of the Filipino community.
“Our Filipino heritage is deeply woven into every performance,” said Gonzaga. “Filipinos are known for their love of music, heartfelt expression, and ability to convey deep emotions through song. It is our hope that these qualities shine through in our performances, whether we are singing a traditional choral piece or something more contemporary.”
The group has also received overwhelming support from the Filipino community in the UAE, including friends, family, fellow musicians, and church groups. “Most importantly, our families played a key role in providing the moral boost we needed,” Trinio noted. “Knowing that we are carrying the pride of our community fuels our passion and inspires us to keep striving for excellence.”
What’s next for ADCC?
Following this prestigious win, Abu Dhabi Concert Chorus is gearing up for more performances and collaborations, with plans to expand their reach and inspire more Filipino choral talents in the region.
“This victory is just the beginning of an exciting journey for us,” said Gonzaga. “We are looking forward to more performances, concerts for the Filipino community, and opportunities to showcase our music on bigger platforms. We also hope to mentor and inspire more Filipino choral talents in the region. All we can say is—stay tuned! There’s so much more to come.”
