The San Miguel Master Chorale (SMMC), now non-existent, was the first professional choir in the Philippines. It was composed of an all-Filipino roster ranging from faculty members and honor graduates of music conservatories, alumni of various choirs, choral conductors, composers, arrangers, and soloists.
The SMMC, together with the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra, was disbanded in January 2007 by the San Miguel Corporation.
Beginnings
The SMMC was established in 2001 by The San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts, an organization owned by the San Miguel Corporation and committed to the enrichment of arts and culture in the Philippines. Since the SMMC is backed by the largest food and beverage company in the Philippines, many singers from other music groups were lured into joining the SMMC. In 2000, close to 400 people underwent a rigorous series of auditions before an international panel of experts, but only the top 40 made it to the final roster.
Performances
In 2002, the SMMC participated in the 4th Taipei International Choral Festival in Taipei, Taiwan, and the Jeonju Sound Festival in Jeonju, South Korea.
In 2004, the SMMC performed an all-Filipino repertoire in "Kayumanggi" and "Klasik Kayumanggi" at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
In 2005 the SMMC was asked to perform at Kyoto, Japan in the prestigious 7th World Symposium on Choral Music. Brian Newhouse, an American music critic who watched the performances in Kyoto, has this to say about the SMMC:
Also, the SMMC regularly performs with the SMPO in selected malls across Metro Manila.
What the top guns of the SMFPA have to say about the SMMC:
Disbandment
The executives of the SMC had already disbanded the SMMC and the SMPO. Late January 2007, instrumentalists of the SMPO and SMMC were summoned one by one by the executives who informed them of the non-renewal of their contracts. Many of the musicians did not get any separation pay. Insider reports say that the SMC was "more inclined" to support its four professional basketball teams. No word yet on what happened to Ryan Cayabyab, the SMFPA Executive and artistic director.
Discography
Great Original Pilipino Music by Ryan Cayabyab
All songs in the album composed and arranged by Ryan Cayabyab. All songs recorded in 2001, except tracks 5, 8, and 9, which are SMMC a capella tracks and were recorded in 2004. This album received three nominations in the 18th Awit Awards aside from winning Best Musical Arrangement for Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka. Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka (winner, 18th Awit Awards, Best Musical Arrangement) Iduyan Mo Kahit Ika'y Panaginip Lang Paraisong Parisukat Tunay na Ligaya Nais Ko Limandipang Tao Tsismis Da Coconut Nut Iniibig Kita Paraiso Awit ng Pagsinta (Epithalamium) – from Ryan Cayabyab and Bienvenido Lumbera's pop-ballet Rama Hari; lyrics by Lumbera Hibang sa Awit – lyrics by Jose Javier Reyes
PASKO I
Festive Filipino Christmas classics, all songs arranged & conducted by Ryan Cayabyab and performed by the SMPO and the SMMC. Certified Gold Record. Kampana ng Simbahan Heto na Naman – music and lyrics by Ryan Cayabyab Namamasko Tuloy na Tuloy pa rin ang Pasko Sa Paskong Darating Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon (Ang Pasko ay Sumapit) Kumukutikutitap* Mano Po Ninong, Mano Po Ninang Noche Buena Heto na Naman ang Pasko** Maligayang Pasko** Pasko na Naman from Ryan Cayabyab and Jose Javier Reyes's musical Bituin; lyrics by Reyes from Ryan Cayabyab and Jose Javier Reyes's musical teleplay Pasko sa Amin; lyrics by Reyes
PASKO II
Mellow Filipino Christmas classics, all songs arranged & conducted by Ryan Cayabyab and performed by the SMPO and the SMMC. Certified Gold Record. Isang Taong Lumipas won as Best Christmas Song during the 19th Awit Awards. Ngayong Pasko* Pasko Na Sinta Ko Paskong Walang Hanggan* Himig Pasko Miss Kita Kung Christmas Isang Taong Lumipas* Ang Aking Pamasko Ang Mahalin Ka** Anong Gagawin Mo Ngayong Pasko – music and lyrics by Ryan Cayabyab Ang Naaalala Ko** Munting Sanggol – music and lyrics by Ryan Cayabyab Payapang Daigdig
Music by Ryan Cayabyab, lyrics by Jose Javier Reyes
From Ryan Cayabyab and Jose Javier Reyes's musical teleplay Pasko sa Amin; lyrics by Reyes
Spoliarium: The Opera
A neo-opera in three acts based on the life of renowned Filipino painter Juan Luna. Music by Ryan Cayabyab, libretto by Fides Cuyugan-Asensio.