University of Santo Tomas Singers Alumni and the St. Genevieve
Valiant Voices Choir to Perform
LOS ANGELES, CA (July 17, 2025) – The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), a
nonprofit organization known for celebrating Filipino musical heritage and developing youth music
education programs, presents Ode to Summer, a special evening of orchestral, vocal and choral
performances on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the
Angels, 555 W. Temple Street in downtown Los Angeles.
This singular concert showcases performances by the symphony orchestra with main guest artist
Sofronio Vasquez, the 2024 breakout star and champion of NBC’s The Voice Season 26 who was
the first Asian to win in the reality TV show’s history. As a Filipino pop singer known for his
exceptional and heartfelt performances, Vasquez has captured the hearts of millions with his
soulful interpretations of hits from various music genres. Ode to Summer features Vasquez’s only
full orchestra-backed performances in the U.S. this year.
Joining FASO in this stirring evening of music collaboration are two Southern California Filipino-
American vocal ensembles. U.S.-based University of Santo Tomas Singers Alumni is
composed of former members of the globally acclaimed and award-winning UST Singers, who are
reuniting for one night, led by Fidel G. Calalang, conductor and founder of the Philippine-based
choral group.
Rounding out the program are performances by St. Genevieve Valiant Voices Choir, an award-
winning youth vocal group led by choirmaster Christopher Avendaño and based in Panorama
City, Calif. Known for their dynamic stage presence, musical discipline, and uplifting performances,
the Valiant Voices have earned accolades in numerous local and national competitions, including
the World Choir Games 2024.
Under the baton of FASO’s founding music director and conductor Robert Schroder, the orchestra
will perform an eclectic repertoire that includes the Papal Anthem by Gounod, sacred music by
Mozart, and Filipino and American pop songs.
Proceeds from the concert will benefit FASO’s youth music education programs, which have
been impacted this year by recent federal cuts to arts funding. The concert will help FASO continue
providing music training and cultural enrichment to the next generation of Filipino-American
musicians.
Now in its 17 th season, the nonprofit FASO was founded by award-winning conductor and flutist
Robert Shroder with the mission of celebrating and preserving the Philippines’ rich musical
legacy. The 70-piece orchestra reflects the diversity of its community, comprising professional
musicians, educators, health care workers, engineers, and students—many of whom are Filipino-
American immigrants or second-generation descendants. FASO has graced some of California’s
most prestigious venues, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Ford, and the Pasadena
Civic Auditorium, bringing classical and contemporary Filipino music to multigenerational
audiences.
Ode to Summer promises an unforgettable evening of symphonic entertainment, cultural pride, and
community spirit. The program will feature a sweeping repertoire, blending classical masterpieces,
sacred music, and contemporary favorites, all performed in the majestic setting of the Cathedral.
For tickets ($30-$125) and more information, visit fasomusic.org or
givebutter.com/OdeToSummer.
Photos: Download photos (a link to photos of Sofronio and the orchestra, if needed)
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About FASO
The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to
fostering artistic excellence and community empowerment. Its mission is to cultivate cultural growth for
present and future generations to develop a sense of pride in their identities through music. Annually,
FASO supports 500 students with workshops in instruments, musicianship, performance, songwriting,
and vocals. With a diverse staff and music educators who are steadfast in FASO’s mission, FASO
engages over 100 orchestra musicians and performers and over 40 youths in the Junior Orchestra in
their annual concert season, presenting a synthesis of musical genres. With a program that engages
more than 5,000 in-person attendees and over 1 million virtually, FASO aims to broaden its reach and
increase the number of students by providing free instruments while also increasing awareness of
Filipino American music and narratives.
Media Contact: Michele Staheli | michele@fasomusic.org
