concert program
Vuelie (From Disney’s Frozen)
Frode Fjellheim, Christophe Beck
White Winter Hymnal
Composed: Robin Beckman
Arranged: Pentatonix
Abide With Me
Traditional Hymn
Arranged: Moses Hogan
Winter Song
Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
Arranged: Jacob Gramit
That’s Christmas To Me
Pentatonix
With Or Without You
U2
A Million Dreams
(from feature film The Greatest Showman)
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Intermission (20 minutes)
I’m Gonna Sing ‘Til The Spirit
Moves In My Heart
Moses Hogan
Winter
Randall Stroope
Text from The Life of Love by
Kahlil Gibran (trans. Ferris)
The Climb
Originally performed by: Miley Cyrus
Composed: Jessi Alexander, Jon Mabe
Arranged: Jonathan Lee
Come Winter
Jonathan Lee
Indodana/Spirit
South African hymn in Traditional isiXhosa
(arr. Barrett and Schmitt)
“Spirit” originally performed by: Beyoncé
(composed: Beyoncé, Labrinth, Salmanzadeh)
Encore Performance
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Arranged: Trevor Hoffman
Members
Aldin Agustin
Tenor
Production Sound Mixer
Birthday: March 1
Field Engineer
Quote that you live by: “If there's a problem, fix it and move on.”
Musical inspirations: Mac Ayres, Bruno Mars, Usher
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “Easy” by Mac Ayres
Random fact about yourself: “I wake up 6 AM on the weekends.”
Alyssa Nicole Samson
Mezzo Soprano
Assistant Artistic Director
Birthday: January 19
Student (Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance, UBC)
Quote that you live by: “Always continue to do what you love because when you’re dedicated to what you love, time becomes irrelevant.”
Musical Inspirations: Isabel Leonard, Whitney Houston
Song That You Can Listen To Repeatedly: “When You Look Me In The Eyes” by The Jonas Brothers
Random Fact About Yourself: “I’m the shortest person in my program at UBC! Woohoo!”
Angelo Casiano
Tenor, Baritone
Birthday: July 18
Secondary School Educator
Quote that you live by: "Always do what you are afraid to do." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Musical inspirations: “I'M INSPIRED BY EVERYONE”
Favourite song that you can listen to repeatedly: “Four Seasons” - Vivaldi
Anna Francia
Mezzo Soprano, Alto
Birthday: January 18
Paralegal
Quote that you live by: “Never a failure, always a lesson.” - Rihanna
Musical inspirations: Bruno Mars, Sam Smith, Adele, WVC
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “Treasure” by Bruno Mars
Random fact about yourself: “I play Pokémon Go.”
Ardie James Guiang (A.J.)
Tenor, Baritone
Director of Marketing and Communications
Birthday: March 22
Registered Nurse
Quote that you live by: "Don't be a hard rock when you really are a gem" - Lauryn Hill
Musical inspirations: Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, Rascal Flatts, Jeremy Passion, Leroy Sanchez, Tori Kelly, Sam Smith, Usher, Michael Jackson
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “Sunday Morning” - Maroon 5
Random fact about yourself: “I have a fear of owls. They're terrifying.”
Arthur Akasaki
Bass
Birthday: February 15
Flight Attendant
Quote that you live by: “Always strive and prosper.”
Musical inspirations: Michael Jackson & Childish Gambino
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “Porter Robinson” - Shelter
Random fact about yourself: “I’m family friends with the sushi chef who invented the California Roll.”
Brian Doe
Tenor
Birthday: February 19
Actor/Teacher
Quote that you live by: “Breathe. Air is good.”
Musical inspirations: Pentatonix, Ben Platt
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “What's Up Danger” - Blackway ft. Black Caviar
Random fact about yourself: “I once had a dream that a group of pigs kidnapped me and forced me to be their leader.”
Cecilia Federizon
Soprano
Internal Operations and Social Committee
Birthday: November 10
Undergraduate Advisor
Quote that you live by: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.“
Musical inspirations: Kristin Chenoweth, Lea Salonga, Sierra Boggess
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “Let’s be real, any Disney song”
Random fact about yourself: “In the wizarding world, my wand is made of beech wood with a unicorn hair core, 10” and unbending flexibility.”
Krizia Danielle Saratan
Soprano
Birthday: July 16
Quote that you live by: "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." - Dolly Parton
Musical inspirations: Lea Salonga
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “I'm Coming Out” by Diana Ross
Denzel Ace Austria
Baritone
Birthday: April 20
Student (Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Langara)
Quote that you live by: “No regrets.“
Musical inspirations: Musiq Soulchild, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, Trey Songz
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “Just Friends” by Musiq Soulchild
Jocelyn Francia
Soprano
Birthday: January 4
Student (Bachelor of Arts, UBC)
Quote that you live by: “Everything happens for a reason.”
Musical inspirations: Celine Dion
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: Killing Me Softly” by The Fugees
Random fact about yourself: “I have no natural eyebrows.”
Jose-Carlos Laguio (Joey)
Bass
Technical Consultant
Birthday: November 25
Indie Game Developer
Quote that you live by: “Memento mori (Remember death).”
Musical inspirations: Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, Kirk Franklin, Earth Wind & Fire, Vulfpeck, Usher, Boyz II Men, Lawrence, Jeremy Soule, Boyz II Men, Sam Smith
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “Me & You” - Lawrence
Random fact about yourself: “I can burp really loud.”
Jonathan Lee (Jono)
Tenor
Artistic Director
Birthday: August 26
Academic Advisor, Vocal Coach
Quote that you live by: "Music can change the world because it can change people" - Bono
Musical inspirations: Ben Platt, Pentatonix, Mariah Carey, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Joe Hisaishi
Favourite song that you can listen to repeatedly: “Always Be My Baby” - Mariah Carey
Random fact about yourself: “I was in 3 Vicks NyQuil commercials. One of them has over a million views on YouTube!”
Julius Francia
Tenor
Birthday: July 19
Secondary School Educator
Quote that you live by: "Live Happy, Healthy and Holy"
Musical inspirations: Boyz II Men, Bruno Mars, Mac Ayres
Favourite song that you can listen to repeatedly: “I'll Never Break Your Heart” - Backstreet Boys
Kayla Charchuk
Mezzo Soprano/Alto
Birthday: March 16
Student (Peace & Conflict Studies/Political Science, Langara)
Quote that you live by: “One foot in front of the other will always keep you going, even if the going seems impossible.”
Musical inspirations: Ella Fitzgerald, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Phillipa Soo
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “Everything Moves” - Bronze Radio Return
Random fact about yourself: “I have perfect pitch.”
Maria Isabelle Monay (Issa)
Soprano, Mezzo Soprano
Choreographer
Birthday: August 24
Retail Floor Manager
Quote that you live by: “Collect, collect, collect, then select”
Musical inspirations: Morissette Amon, Hyolyn, Beyoncé, Michael JacksonSong that you can listen to repeatedly: “Forever” - Chris Brown
Random fact about yourself: “If I were a son, my name would be Gregory John.”
Maricel Borbon
Soprano, Alto
Choreographer
Birthday: June 1
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Quote that you live by: “Fake it ‘til you make it.”
Musical inspirations: Morissette Amon
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” - Whitney Houston
Merlene Monay
Alto
Business and Communications Manager
Birthday: March 24
Materials Engineer
Quote that you live by: "Your crown has been bought and paid for. Put it on your head and wear it." - Dr. Maya Angelou
Musical inspirations: Aiza Seguerra, Lauryn Hill, Tori Kelly, Us The Duo, SHINee
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: "Unwritten" By Natasha Bedingfield
Random fact about yourself: “I can understand four Filipino dialects.“
Shawn James Salgadoe
Baritone, Bass
Creative Production Lead
Birthday: December 4
Student (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, UBC)
Quote that you live by: “Compared to nothing, is the best way to create.”
Musical Inspirations: Michael Jackson, Michael Buble, Billy Joel, John Mayer, Z. Randall Stroope, Mack Wilberg, Bryson Tiller, Kiana Lédé, and every boy band
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: Human Nature - Michael Jackson
Random fact about yourself: “I'm a Pixar fanatic.”
Shenette Salgadoe
Soprano
Image and Aesthetics Lead
Birthday: November 10
Secondary School Educator
Quote that you live by: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa
Musical inspirations: Any pop diva or soul singer that ever lived; Beyonce
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: Any acoustic John Legend cover
Random fact about yourself: “I have a soft spot for chocolate and spicy tuna rolls. Separately obviously.“
Kristine Yna Borbon (Yna)
Soprano, Alto
Birthday: February 27
Student (St. Patrick’s Regional High School)
Quote that you live by: “In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”
Musical inspirations: Tony Araujo, Gerda Blok-Wilson, Whitney Houston, Morisette Amon
Song that you can listen to repeatedly: “Shine” - Morissette Amon arrangement
Random fact about yourself: “My eyebrows are real.”
Featured Artists
Kurt Chen is a third-year at the UBC School of Music. His interest in violin emerged at the age of four and began learning under Mo Yeung, followed by Siu Feng Wei, Evelyn Creaser-Rumley, and Nicholas Wright. Currently, he studies with David Gillham at UBC. He has been a member of the Vancouver Academy of Music’s orchestras and the Chamber Music Institute. Kurt has had the opportunity to perform and share his passion in a variety of locations. Most recently, Kurt travelled to Hong Kong to teach young musicians orchestral playing.
A recent graduate from Magee Secondary School, Connor Bushnell is a trained cellist and choral singer. He is currently studying Business Administration at Langara College. Connor works as a cello instructor in the Magee Secondary strings program and sings in Spirit Alive Chorale under the direction of Dr, Tony Araujo. Connor is excited to be part of tonight's concert and to be joining the WVC community.
Danielle Markle has been playing the cello since age nine. She has a Music Diploma in classical performance from Capilano University. Although passionate about classical cello playing, she also enjoys involving herself in projects that blur musical boundaries. Danielle is currently pursuing a career in psychological studies while remaining active as an independent musician.
Erika Lee is a third-year Sociology student at the University of British Columbia. She works for the Faculty of Arts Information Technology and Instructional Support office. Erika is also trained pianist and sings in Spirit Alive Chorale under the direction of Dr. Tony Araujo. Erika is always eager to support WVC’s projects with her many diverse talents.
Michel Phan holds both a B.Sc (UBC) and BSN (Langara) and works as a Registered Nurse at Vancouver General Hospital. During his time off, Michel loves to bake and specializes in French macarons and choux. Also an avid painter, Michel is excited to be showcasing his talents on canvas at tonight’s event.
Karen Wong’s arts and crafts projects centers around the themes of “People, Places, and Things.” Outside the hours of her life as a UBC employee, she enjoys cuddling on her recliner with fur babies Tobiko and Tamago while listening to songs of Andrew McMahon.
Eric Inasi a photographer based out of Vancouver, BC in Canada. His interest in photography began around the age of 19, and he has since built a collection of work which mainly features outdoor adventuring, live events and sports with a wide variety of clients around the world. Eric found his inspiration of pursuing a career as a visual story teller after picking up a camera taking photos and falling in love with the idea of capturing special moments and events. He is very passionate about travelling and one day would love to travel and document the work as a living.
message from Wings Vocal Collective
Wings Vocal Collective (WVC) is comprised of creative and passionate members, who share a strong devotion in sharing their musical aspirations and endeavours with one another, along with our budding community. Creating musical projects together has brought us the privilege of cultivating many artistic and meaningful experiences, fortifying our belief in the strength which music possesses, in bringing individuals closer. Essentially, this continues to be the purpose behind our dedication to one another and the craft we share with you, as singing together and being in each other’s company, has proven to be our greatest joy.
This production of “Come Winter” has afforded our ensemble the opportunity to introduce new themes which reflect our members’ experiences and growth. It has been our sincerest enjoyment to develop this concert through collaboration with our artistic friends, ultimately showcasing how vibrant and gifted our community is. We are excited to share these pieces with you, and are beyond grateful that you are a part of this evening. Thank you for your support, and we hope you enjoy!
On behalf of the group,
Shawn Salgadoe
Creative Production Lead
Message From The Artistic Directors
When programming for this concert, we were faced with a dilemma, as the season of winter can bring about such a range of sentiments: coldness and desolation, but also warmth and togetherness. We realized that in order to fully capture the human experience of winter, we needed to explore all of its facets and nuances. “Come Winter” touches upon all that winter has to offer: sadness, beauty, loss and celebration.
This is the first concert we are presenting as a full, expanded collective, which has allowed us to do a deep dive into more ambitious ensemble pieces. We are proud to be presenting a varied and dynamic program that explores and celebrates many different genres and moods: a perfect reflection of the range of emotion in winter. Through learning and performing this music, we’ve learned the important lesson that one must brave the cold to fully appreciate warmth.
Jono Lee and Alyssa Nicole Samson
Artistic Directors
acknowledgements
Crew:
Erika Lee - Technical Director and Multimedia Creator
Julius Francia - Stage Manager, percussionist
Angelo Casiano - Stage Manager
Jotham Villanueva - Photographer
Carlos Morales, Vida Creative - Videographer
Special thanks to:
Carol, Geordie and the Highlands United Team
Mr and Mrs. Reuben and Alma Federizon
Shenette Salgadoe, Dr. Tony Araujo and Saint Patrick’s Regional Secondary School
Angel (Vissare Media) & Nathan Eucogal
Joanna Poblete-Akasaki (The Landing Dance Studio)
Chanel Gonzales (ChaCha Bars & Bakery)
Blanquita Monay & Fatima Isonza
Victoria Samson
Leone Sunga
Danielle Saratan
original song: “come winter”
“Come Winter” is an original song written to be the centrepiece of this concert. It is an experimental, self-contained narrative integrating elements of word painting, musical storytelling and dramatic art. The song tells the story of a young child and her parents in the wintertime. Unbeknownst to the child, her mother is very ill and may not live to raise her daughter into adulthood. At the end of the piece, we see a fully grown daughter yearning for her now deceased
mother’s touch and lamenting the moments they couldn’t have together. At the same time, there is a realization that the memory of her mother has always been within her, and that she is resilient and flourishing because of it. The backdrop of winter is a reminder that even in the harshest and coldest of times, we can find warmth and comfort.
“Come Winter”
Lyrics and music by Jonathan Lee
One, by one, they fall, and spiral down
Two, by two, they run, from her furrowed brow
The crystals of snow, and the things I cannot know
You hold me and shield me from the storm
Frosty at night,
Holding me tight,
You vanquish the cold with your love and your light
Though the wind blows,
I always will know
That come winter, I’ll be in your arms
I see, the sapphire gleam, of eyes so young
Full of untold tales, and songs unsung
My heart, in agony, knowing all of what I may not see
And the storms she will brave on her own
Frosty at night,
Holding you tight,
Fighting my tears as I say my goodbye,
When the wind blows,
Wherever you go,
Come winter, you’ll be in my arms.
Yearning for a glimmer of your light
In the alabaster sky
Wishing you could see the colours of my tapestry
Knowing you have woven the threads,
Of the pathway ahead
Forevermore
Braving the storm
With you/me
Frosty at night,
She's holding you tight,
Lifting you up, when your path goes awry
When the wind blows,
Please always know,
From you, she will never depart
And time, it can heal your heart
Come winter, I'll/you'll be in her arms