Palawan International Choral Conference

Towards the end of the 20th century and into the 21st, the standard of choral singing in the Philippines has risen to international prominence. Numerous choral ensembles have achieved remarkable success in global competitions, earning prestigious accolades and establishing the country’s presence in the international choral scene. The Philippines has also been actively represented in international councils and networks of choral conductors and ensembles. Moreover, various institutions—including local government units—have formed their own choral groups, recognizing the value of choral music in cultural and community development. Notably, the implementation of a special law providing financial support for the National Choral Group underscores the growing institutional recognition of choral excellence.

Despite these advancements, the historical trajectory and underlying factors that contributed to this flourishing choral movement remain largely unexplored. The absence of a dedicated academic discipline encompassing the study of choral praxis has resulted in a lack of comprehensive research in this area. While interdisciplinary perspectives—such as historical, philosophical, psychological, and sociological approaches—could provide valuable insights into the phenomenon of choral singing, they have yet to be fully acknowledged or systematically studied in this context.

The National Association of Filipino Choirs, Inc. is pleased to invite scholarly papers and written essays for presentation at the 2025 Palawan International Conference on Choral Music. This call is open to undergraduate and graduate students in music and related disciplines who seek to contribute to the academic discourse on choral music. Foreign participants are also invited to participate.

The conference will feature a diverse array of activities, including paper and essay presentations, plenary sessions, panel discussions, and choral workshops led by esteemed scholars and experts in the field. Participants will also have the rare opportunity to witness the 2nd Boronyugan Choral Festival and the prestigious International Competitions, both of which will take place concurrently with the conference.

As an evolving interdisciplinary field, choral music is increasingly being recognized as a distinct discipline within the broader landscape of music education and research. However, the 2025 conference will specifically focus on the musico-sociological aspects of choral singing, examining its role within three key institutional frameworks as sub-topics: education, religion, and government.