Our Story
From seven voices in Dubai in December 2004 to a choir that serves at St. Mary’s and sings across the UAE. To Sing. To Serve. To Inspire.
December 2004
Born in Dubai, united through music
In December 2004, seven young Filipino expatriates came together in Dubai through a shared love of choral music. Drawing on their experience as choristers, they formed a group devoted to disciplined singing, inspired worship, and service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Their early journey required patience, openness, prayer, and a strong sense of purpose. In a small gathering in Karama, the singers chose a name with religious, cultural, and global intent: Christian Voices.
Guided by prayer and inspired by St. Cecilia, patroness of music, those first singers set a tone the choir has kept ever since. In time, Christian Voices grew into the Christian Voices Chorale.
11 March 2005
The first service
On 11 March 2005, the seven-voice choir — Jun (conductor), Marvin, Bubut, Jeager, Kay, Elsie, and Sharon — sang at St. Mary’s Church. That first service marked the beginning of a community shaped by faith, friendship, and the joy of making music together.
2010 – 2013
One choir, two names
Between 2010 and 2013, as the choir began performing beyond the church, it adopted a second identity — Dubai Vocal Ensemble — for wider cultural and community engagements across the United Arab Emirates. The two names express one identity: Christian Voices Chorale in its ministry, and Dubai Vocal Ensemble on the broader stage.
That duality is written into our logo. Read one way, the mark stands for CVC; shift your view and it reveals DVE — a visual duet, and the origin of our motto.
Two Worlds, One Passion.
Sacred hymns and contemporary harmonies, united in the shared spirit of our voices.
What we are for
Mission and vision
Mission
To enrich worship and foster unity through dedicated choral singing, both within the Church and in wider community outreach.
Vision
A community dedicated to evangelisation through choral music, inspired by the Holy Spirit. We strive for musical excellence, promote Filipino choral heritage, and share our culture with the global community through both church and public performances.
The values we sing by
Committed
We show up — not only in presence, but in purpose — honouring every rehearsal, service and responsibility.
Dedicated
We give more than what is asked. In harmony and in hardship, we stand as one and pour our hearts into every note.
Integrity
We do what is right — even when it is uncomfortable, even when no one sees — and hold one another to honesty and respect.
Our patroness, St. Cecilia
St. Cecilia, a young Roman martyred for her faith, is venerated as the patroness of music for the heavenly song said to have filled her heart on her wedding day. Her steadfast witness, her care for the poor and persecuted, and her joyful devotion to God make her a fitting model for our choir. In art she is often shown with an organ, symbolising the music she offered in praise of the Lord.
Milestones
Twenty years, in brief
The moments we count from — three Choir of the Year titles among them.
December 2004
Seven voices
Seven young Filipino expatriates come together in Dubai as Christian Voices.
11 March 2005
The first service
The choir sings its first Mass at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dubai.
2010 – 2013
Dubai Vocal Ensemble
A second name for the concert stage, as the choir begins performing beyond the parish.
February 2013
Choir of the Year
The region’s first Choir of the Year title, judged by the Grammy-winning a cappella group The Swingle Singers.
2015
Choir of the Year, again
A second Choir of the Year title at ChoirFest Middle East.
December 2017
Bayanihan grand champions
First place in the Bayanihan Festival’s Christmas chorale competition at Dubai World Trade Centre.
May 2018
Tbilisi, Georgia
Invited to the Tbilisi Choral Music International Festival as its first Filipino chorale.
February 2019
The Pontifical choir
We sang in the Pontifical choir during the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the United Arab Emirates.
Expo 2020 Dubai
The Philippine Pavilion
Honoured to represent the Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo in Dubai.
August 2023
Cantare ad Serviendum
The twentieth-anniversary concert series opens in Abu Dhabi, with concerts also in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.
February 2024
Choir of the Year, a third time
Choir of the Year and Best Single Performance, for Mark Agpasa’s Jubilate Deo, at ChoirFest Middle East.
November 2024
Twenty years
The anniversary concert at Pakistan Auditorium, Dubai.
The song continues
Today the choir continues to build community through worship, concerts, competitions, and cultural events—carrying forward the purpose that began with seven voices in Dubai.