Emmanuel de Leon Jr., conductor

04/21/2026

“FINDING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS”

Friends, we invite you to our annual memorial concert on April 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Fountain Street Church in The City of Grand Rapids, MI.

The Fountain Street Oratorio Choir —featuring singers from Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids Women's Chorus, Choral Connection, West Michigan Choral Lab, and other vocalists from West Michigan—will present its annual memorial concert, “FINDING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS.”

This year’s program showcases poignant musical selections with reflective texts drawn from poetry and prayers that capture and express a profound sense of love, respect, unity, and—more than ever—hope for peace. The music is intended to uplift all who are navigating life’s uncertainties. The choral and chamber orchestra repertoire includes Elaine Hagenberg’s “Illuminare,” Jake Runestad’s “The Hope of Loving,” James MacMillan’s “Sun Stone” (from *Cantos Sagrados*), Ralph Vaughan Williams’s “Serenade to Music,” and Ysaÿe M. Barnwell’s “Would You Harbor Me?” The concert will also feature the world premiere of “Dayspring” for choir, piano, and string orchestra, composed especially for this event by Filipino composer Dr. Eudenice Palaruan.

The concert is free and open to the public. Your free will donations will help us continue to offer musical concerts and productions like this. We hope to see you there!

01/07/2026

So thrilled to start working on the music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, Elaine Hagenberg, Jake Runestad, Eudenice Palaruan, James MacMillan, and Ysaÿe Barnwell for the annual memorial concert of the Fountain Street Church Oratorio Choir at Fountain Street Church! Come join us!

The Winter and Spring seasons are looking very musically promising with singing and conducting performances with the West Michigan Choral Lab, GR Choir of Men and Boys, Choral Connection, Filipino Choir in South Bend, Kentwood Community Choir, and of course, the FSC Adult Choir.

Cheers to 2026!

11/22/2025

Happy St. Cecilia Day!

Sancta Caecilia/Cecelia or Cecilia was a Roman noblewoman of the 2nd century A.D., converted to Christianity and considered the Holy Patroness of music and musicians. In Heinrich von Kleist's anecdote "St. Cecilia, or the Power of Music,” Cecilia symbolizes the divine power of music.

She was initially buried in the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, among the graves of the bishops. This happened through Pope Urban I, who converted her and represented her spiritual guide during her life. Later on, her house was turned into a church. In 821 A.D. Saint Cecilia’s remains were moved to what is now known as the Basilica of Saint Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome.

11/22/2025

What an unforgettable time to lead and conduct the graduate students of Sacred Music at Notre Dame, and perform for His All Holiness, Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, Ecumenical Patriarch! The patriarch received an honorary degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2021.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DR37exw4T/?mibextid=wwXIfr

It was a humbling experience to have been given the honor to perform for His All-Holiness Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, during his visit last month to the University of Notre Dame. The Ecumenical Patriarch received an honorary degree from the University and offered an address on environmental sustainability and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thankful for yet another opportunity to lead and conduct the graduate students of Sacred Music at Notre Dame on this momentous occasion.

photo collage by Juan-Carlos Alarcon Musician

11/11/2025

We celebrate you, Sir Radie.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17c1tB73MC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Maligaya nga ang araw sapagkat ngayon ang kaarawan ng ating minamahal na Sir Radie Santiago!

Pangkaraniwan na kung taon ang bibilangin (at siguradong ikatataas din ng kilay ni Sir Radie iyon), kaya imbis na taon o edad, makukulay na alaala ang isa-isahin natin—sariwain iyong mga karanasan ng kwentuhan, tawanan, pati kainan na, dahil sa saliw ng musika't awit, nananatili pa rin sa ating puso at nakatatak sa isipan.

Masses will be offered in remembrance and celebration of Sir Radie's life.

10/22/2025

What an amazing lineup of speakers! Sign up soon folks!

09/26/2025

See you all tonight, 7pm Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan before, in between, or after your ArtPrize visit!

We invite you all to watch the concert of the Male ENsemble Philippines - MEN Philippines Philippines at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

The group will also give a preview performance and an overview of Philippine choral music on September 23, 2025, at Fountain Street Church’s Social Hall at 5:30 PM.

Both events are free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $20 supports this important cultural event. See poster for more details. Bring your family and friends to this cultural event during the ArtPrize 2025!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

09/26/2025

What a beautiful fellowship last night with two of my (many) communities - Male ENsemble Philippines - MEN Philippines and Fountain Street Church Choir!

See you tonight for the Male Ensemble Philippines’ concert at 7pm!

Tonight's dinner and fellowship with the Fountain Street Adult Choir in preparation for the Male Ensemble Philippines' Concert tomorrow — 7PM at the Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan

09/25/2025

Don’t miss the Male ENsemble Philippines - MEN Philippines on Friday, September 26, 7:00 PM at Fountain Street Church!

09/23/2025

What a wonderful day and a successful choral exchange event at the University of Notre Dame with the Male ENsemble Philippines - MEN Philippines!

We are bringing them to Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan tomorrow for the choral exchange and concert preview starting at 5:30 PM in the Social Hall!

Don’t miss their full concert on September 26, in the sanctuary of Fountain Street Church, at 7:00 PM!

09/23/2025

Male ENsemble Philippines - MEN Philippines’ invitation to watch their concert in Grand Rapids, Michigan!