Pentatonix and Lea Salonga team up in a Yuletide Classic
Five-piece a cappella group Pentatonix, with members Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee, has uplifted everyone’s spirit, following the launch of their latest album ‘Holidays Around The World.’ Made possible by the RCA Records, the said album includes twelve (12) special tracks that radiate the Christmas vibes. Some of the celebrated artists the group got to collaborate with was the multi-awarded Broadway icon Lea Salonga, representing the Philippines.
“I had the most wonderful time recording this classic Filipino Christmas song with Pentatonix,” Salonga wrote on Instagram recently. “And yes, this is the Christmas In Our Hearts you think it is,” the singer added. This Yuletide classic they performed was among the Diamond-certified Filipino artist Jose Mari Chan hits. The said performance wishes for everyone to relive the joys of the holiday season.
Seen on Salonga’s post was the complete list of the Christmas songs included in the album. It also features different musicians across the world, such as Meghan Trainor, Lang Lang, Grace Lokwa, Hiba Tawaji, La Santa Cecilia, Shreya Ghoshal, HIKAKIN & SEIKIN, and The King’s Singers. Pentatonix’s mezzo-soprano Kirstin Maldonado described these collaborations as something “cool,” true to the experiences learned on cultural differences, particularly in music.
“It was really cool because we also got to experience all the cultural differences in music there. So the album’s really fun and really eclectic in that way — but it was really awesome just because we never get to have that big of a span in the type of music that we do,” the 30-year-old Maldonado shared in their recent interview. “We also have three originals on there, which I feel like we all love so much. We’re all really proud of them and feel like they’re our best Christmas originals yet,” she added.
When also asked about their team-up with Lea Salonga, they cannot help but sing praises for her. “She is just so iconic. One, she’s so talented. She’s a perfect singer. In the studio, she did one take,” uttered Scott Hoying, known for being Pentatonix’s baritone. The high tenor voice of the group, Mitch Grassi, had vouched for the Filipino icon as well. “Her voice makes me nostalgic.”
Besides the album release, the a cappella group is preparing for their North America and Asia tour soon. Its full details are something the Pentaholics must look out for. Presented by RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment, Holidays Around The World by Pentatonix is now accessible on all digital music platforms.
