The Filharmonic is a very talented a cappella band. The Filipino-American group won NBC’s The Sing-Off which launched them on a national tour. They have performed alongside Linkin Park, Black Eyed Peas and Pentatonic. You can also see them performing in Pitch Perfect 2!
On March 20th, the group will be performing in NYC as part of Total Vocal at Carnegie Hall, the second annual celebration of contemporary a cappella music featuring arrangements from Pitch Perfect, The Sing-Off, and the American pop lexicon.
Photo Credit: Sheen Olson
Check out our interview!
Photo Credit: Armando Tecson
upfrontNY: How was The Filharmonic formed?
JULES CRUZ: The group was formed in 2013 for NBC’s The Sing-Off. A few of us initially met in college and started forming the group with the help of another college friend, Avi Kaplan, who is in the a cappella group, Pentatonix. He helped us find our other members through the music scene in SoCal.
upfrontNY: With so much success and exciting opportunities, is there one moment since the group was formed that stands out in your mind?
TRACE GAYNOR: I know we would all have different answers for this, but personally my favorite moment has been going to the Philippines and performing at the Mall of Asia in Manila. The whole reason we formed the group was to showcase Filipino talent and culture, so going back and seeing all the love and support from our Filipino fans was so rewarding.
upfrontNY: What was it like to not only win NBC’s The Sing-Off but to be able to share this experience with each other?
VJ ROSALES: The experience was honestly amazing! Without the Sing Off, we wouldn’t have experienced so many things. The Sing Off National Tour, opening for Pentatonix, singing at the White House, being in Pitch Perfect 2 and finally touring the Philippines are all things that we would not have been able to do if we didn’t form for the Sing Off.
upfrontNY: What are you most looking forward to with performing at Total Vocal at Carnegie Hall?
NIKO DEL REY: I’m looking forward to working with Deke again. He’s helped us so much in our career and is a real blessing to work with. You can definitely see that he loves his job and loves to help people make great music. Can’t wait to see how everything comes together. Deke if you’re reading this, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for The Filharmonic. We love you man!!”
upfrontNY: Does the group have any rituals when getting ready for a performance?
JOE CAIGOY: Right before we take the stage, we all take a moment of silence just to collect ourselves and clear our minds for the show. Niko then leads a prayer and after, we all start jumping around, dancing and shoving each other to get us hyped and energized for the show.
upfrontNY: What is the best part of being in and performing in NYC?
JULES CRUZ: Performing in New York City is such a dream. We love hanging out in the city and eating at all of the amazing restaurants. The energy is totally unique.
upfrontNY: Does the group have a venue, city, country, or even TV show on its performance bucket list?
JOE CAIGOY: While we were on The Sing-Off, one of our choreographers were trying to get us excited for that week’s performance. She told us to imagine ourselves in Madison Square Garden with a huge crowd cheering us on. Since then, that’s been a venue the group has always wanted to perform in.
Photo Credit: Jordan Abrantes
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