Pressenza Pressenza International Press Agency Manila, 27/07/09 The Philippine Madrigal Singers have been named Artist for Peace by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The distinction recognises the efforts of the Madrigal Singers to promote dialogue and understanding among the peoples of South East Asia and for their contribution in the task of extending UNESCO’s message of peace and tolerance.
The Madrigal Singers – also known as Madz – was formed in 1963 and since then has sung in various musical styles, specialising in the renaissance style.
The artists have won numerous prizes around the world and besides being very popular in Asia they have trained more than 200 singers and choirs. Since their beginning, The Philippine Madrigal Singers have toured nationally and internationally twice a year.
With the new title of Artist for Peace, Madz will continue to support programmes to promote diversity and intercultural dialogue of the UN body.
Among the UNESCO Artists for Peace can be found; Manu Dibango from Cameroon; the actress Patricia Velasquez from Venezuela; the musician Gilberto Gil from Brazil; and the singer and founder of the Gipsy Kings, Chico Bouchikihi from France.
