Lorenz Edward Sarrondo: From arias to airports

by Oscar Pantaleon Jr.

Lorenz Edward Sarrondo took the scenic route. It’s the artistic path that wound through Manila, Japan, Austria, Germany, and Spain, then landed in Winnipeg. This musical journey began at age four with voice lessons at ABS-CBN and eventually grew into an international performance career shaped considerably by over a decade with the UP Manila Chorale.

With UPMC, Lorenz toured cities across Europe and Asia, competed in prestigious choral festivals, and stepped into leadership roles as section leader, assistant conductor, and later, music director. From the Philippine premiere of Medea to the sarswela Ana Maria, and later in Noli Me Tangere: The Opera, he built an artistic foundation that was as rigorous as it was rewarding.

His first international theatre experience was in 2022 with Miss Saigon Guam, where he started as an ensemble member and eventually became vocal coach for both leads and ensemble.

“It was a huge role to fulfill,” he recalls, “but the experience taught me to believe in my capabilities as a musician as much as the people around me did.”

When he moved to Canada, Lorenz pursued vocal studies at the University of Manitoba and quickly noticed how different it felt from his training in the University of the Philippines, where he graduated magna cum laude.

“UP offers a more rigorous and theory-heavy approach, with a strong emphasis on patriotism and musicianship,” he explains.

Of his new campus he said, “I found the UM Desautels Faculty of Music very diverse and the people in the industry are more interconnected. The multicultural student backgrounds helped me grow and mature as a musician.”

His stage work continued in Winnipeg with his portrayal of Count Belfiore in La finta giardiniera with the UM Opera Theatre. And then came a plot twist.

Excellence in new opportunities

From music, Lorenz shifted to hospitality and tourism. It might seem unexpected, but he embraced it with the same curiosity he brings to every new adventure. “I realized there are countless opportunities in the industry,” he says.

Lorenz graduated recently from Red River College Polytechnic, expanding his professional world. Despite being a newcomer to the field, he excelled, earning a Gold Medal in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program and the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts Professional Leadership Award.

This academic endeavour opened a door into the aviation industry. For almost two years now, he has been working as an airport ground crew member. He has risen from the ranks and now serves as a supervisor overseeing check-in operations, assisting passengers, and coordinating with flight teams to keep everything running smoothly.

Music remains constant

Lorenz clearly remembers what his hiring manager told him during the interview: Once you enter the aviation industry, you will not leave it. He laughs now, admitting how true it feels.

“What attracts me most aside from the travel perks is the joy of interacting with different kinds of people, gaining significant knowledge about a lot of cultures.” For him, the fast-paced, multicultural energy of airport work complements both his love for people and his long-term plans that fuse hospitality, travel, and service.

Still, despite his growing aviation career, music remains constant.

“While I ventured into a new field, I never left music,” he says firmly. He continues to teach voice and plans to pursue further vocal pedagogy studies in the future.

A choral home in Winnipeg

Winnipeg has become a new musical home for Lorenz. He loves how interconnected the choral community is. “Everyone knows each other,” he shares.

Performing with Polycoro, UM Singers, Winnipeg Singers, Dead of Winter, and the St. Andrew’s church choir deepened his appreciation for Winnipeg’s musical landscape and strengthened his place within it.

Among all his musical involvements, Musica Singers holds a special place. As singer, vocal coach, and co-conductor, Lorenz finds the environment both grounding and uplifting.

“Singing and working alongside my ates and kuyas in a community setting has been very meaningful and rewarding,” he says. It has taught him a different kind of musicianship, “One where people from different age groups and backgrounds share a common passion for singing.”

Ready for take-off

This year marks Lorenz’s first full concert as conductor of Musica Singers, and he approaches it with heartfelt intention. “I would like to show a version of Musica Singers that is ready to take on more complex and challenging repertoire while still holding onto the heart of who we are,” he explains.

His goal extends beyond precision. “More importantly, I want to let the audience feel the sincerity, honesty, and love for music that Filipinos naturally bring to choral singing.” The concert promises a heartwarming evening of contemporary choral works, classic Christmas carols, and beloved Filipino Christmas songs.

Through every turn, Lorenz proves that passion doesn’t follow just one path. Whether guiding passengers on the ground or guiding singers onstage, he brings the same heart, discipline, and joy. And as he continues his journey, one thing is certain: in music and in life, he is always ready for take-off.

Catch Lorenz Edward Sarrondo and Musica Singers in Tatsulok 1: Hope, Peace, Joy on December 6, 7:00 p.m., at St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church, 255 Oak St. Get tickets at www.musicasingersmb.ca.