 |
Joy T. NiloFilipino composer
Date of Birth: 11.01.1970
Country:  Philippines |
Content:
Biography of Joy Nilo
Joy Nilo is a Filipino composer specializing in choral a cappella music. His works are extremely diverse and span various styles, from traditional Filipino music to contemporary, from folk to electronic, from serious to popular. Nilo is also known as a talented orchestrator, pianist, singer, conductor, and music teacher.
Early Life and Education
Joy Nilo was born on January 11, 1970, in the Philippine province of Mindoro Oriental. He studied under the guidance of Dr. Francisco Feliciano, Professor Martin Behrmann, Professor Joel Navarro, Dr. Ramon Santos, Dr. Jonas Baes, Karl Hochreiter, and the legendary Andrea Veneracion, the founder of the 'Philippine Madrigal Singers'.
Choral Compositions
Nilo's spiritual composition 'Amami', a cycle of six hymns based on the Lord's Prayer, has long been considered one of the most beloved works among internationally renowned choirs. His other liturgical compositions, including 'O Magnum Mysterium', 'Agtalnaca', 'Denggem', 'Apo', 'Isalacannacam', and 'Umawit Kayo Sa Panginoon', are also popular. Filipino choirs perform his contemporary choral works and arrangements of folk melodies such as 'Bongbongtit', 'Kaisaisa Niyan', 'Pakawanem Ti Basbasolmi', 'Duayya Ni Ayat', 'Pakiusap', 'Malinac Lay Labi', and 'Oalay Manoc Con Taraz' around the world. His popular church choral compositions include 'Make My Life a Prayer', 'Glory', 'Splendor and Majesty', and 'Come Live in Me', which are also part of church choir repertoires.
Film Music
In addition to his choral compositions, Joy Nilo is considered one of the most talented Filipino composers and songwriters for film. He has composed various melodies for the soundtracks of the films 'Kristo' by director Ben Yalung and 'Magnifico' by director Maryo J de los Reyes. The theme song from the latter, 'Ang Aking Munting Bituin', co-written with Gary Valenciano, received multiple nominations and awards in the Philippines. It was also used as the main theme for the soap opera 'Munting Heredera'. His song 'We Thank You, God' won the grand prize in the 1998 'Centennial Hymnwriting Competition' sponsored by The United Methodist Church. In 2007, Nilo's composition 'A Century of Nursing Through God's Faithfulness' won the 'Mary Johnston College of Nursing Centennial Hymnwriting' competition. His work 'The Lord is King' was performed in the 'MSM Choral Series' concerts in Singapore. Furthermore, Nilo's songs and choral compositions are performed in schools and other organizations in the Philippines, including 'FEATI University Hymn', 'FEATI March', 'The University of the La Salette Hymn', 'PSHOA Hymn', 'International College of Surgeons Hymn', 'Maternal and Child Nurses Hymn', 'Amway Philippines', and 'Caramel Pearl Incorporated'.
Orchestration Work
As an orchestrator, Joy Nilo has worked with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Manila Symphony Orchestra, and World Youth Orchestra. His works are performed by professional ensembles such as the 'Philippine Madrigal Singers', 'Philippine Chamber Singers', 'Ateneo College Glee Club', 'Philippine Chamber Choir', 'San Miguel Master Chorale', 'Loboc Children's Choir', 'Philippine Children's Choir', 'Ateneo Chamber Singers', 'University of the East Chorale', 'Central UMC Festival Choir', and many other Filipino choirs.
