Two shows to check out this April

April is shaping up to be a treat for music lovers of every kind, with two standout events offering completely different but equally compelling experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the electrifying energy of live pop performances or the timeless beauty of choral music, there’s something worth marking on your calendar. Round Festival on April 18 and 19.Taking center stage at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 18 and 19, Round Festival 2026 brings together a vibrant mix of OPM, K-Pop and Asean acts. This year’s edition is hosted by Korean singer-songwriter 10CM and features an impressive lineup of international artists alongside a powerhouse roster of Filipino talent. Representing the Philippines on the main stage are: Ben&Ben, TJ Monterde, Cup of Joe and Hori7On. They will share the stage with artists from across the region, creating a dynamic musical exchange that reflects the diversity of Asian pop. The international lineup includes South Korea’s MeloMance alongside 10CM, Syafiq Abdilah (Brunei), G-Devith (Cambodia), Pamungkas (Indonesia), JoJo Miracle (Lao PDR), Mimifly (Malaysia), Velocity (Myanmar), Regina Song (Singapore), Tilly Birds (Thailand), and Chillies (Vietnam). Organized by KBS World and National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the 2026 festival also carries a deeper significance, symbolizing a long-awaited cultural collaboration finally coming to fruition. Vienna Boys Choir on April 26 and 27. Just a week later, Manila shifts from pop spectacle to classical refinement as the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir returns to the Philippines for performances on April 26 and 27 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts. Organized by Ovation Productions, in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and in collaboration with the Austrian Embassy in Manila, the concert promises an evening of pure vocal artistry for lovers of choral and classical music. The Vienna Boys Choir is composed of boy sopranos and altos based in Vienna, Austria. In 2026, the ensemble celebrates 100 years of international touring — a milestone that underscores its enduring legacy and global appeal. What began in 1926 with a modest tour across Germany and Switzerland has evolved into a century-long tradition of sharing music across continents. Today, the choir is made up of 97 active choristers divided into four touring groups: Brucknerchor, Haydnchor, Mozartchor, and Schubertchor. Each ensemble performs under the collective name “Vienna Boys Choir,” sharing responsibilities for concerts, recordings, and tours. The group’s connection to the Philippines dates back decades, with their first visit in 1967 and their most recent prior appearance in 2016. Their return this year is particularly meaningful for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Leading the touring ensemble is choirmaster Manolo Cagnin, who has been with the Vienna Boys Choir since 2008.