Coronation Congratulations! Basingstoke Filipino Choir beat 1,000 other applicants to perform in King Charles coronation

The choir performed Brighter Day at the Coronation last weekend to celebrate the crowning of King Charles III.

The coronation choir contained the voices of 300 refugees, NHS workers, LGBTQ+ singing groups, and deaf singers, with the Basingstoke Filipino Choir representing their Hampshire community.

There were 18 choirs who will make up this historic ensemble, coached by choirmaster Gareth Malone in preparation for their high-profile performance.

They have been serving St Bedes parish church for over 20 years and also sing at St Joseph and Sacred Heart Hook.

The choir formed after one of the performers wanted to recreate the church choir that she was part of in the Philippines. Their priest encouraged them to form the choir as lots of Filipinos had moved to Basingstoke following a recruitment drive in the local hospital.

“We’re still here,” said Vina Estrada, one of the founders of the choir.

“Members have come and gone. Some have migrated to other countries or moved to other counties. But we’re still here.”

As for the experience itself, Vina described it as “absolutely amazing, overwhelming.

“And it was great to be part of this historic event. So we are honoured and privileged,” she added.

Today the choir has 26 members, ranging in age from 15 to 61, and are led by Vina’s husband Aga Estrada.

Anyone is welcome to join and can check out the Facebook page.