ABOUT OUR FOUNDER and CONDUCTOR

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Founder & Artistic Director

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Karlene Moreno-Hayworth is a professional opera singer, soprano soloist, cantor, and the visionary founder and artistic director of Haraya Choir—the most awarded Filipino choir outside the Philippines. A passionate believer in the transformative power of music, Karlene is devoted to its role in enhancing health, happiness, and human potential.

Early in her journey, she was accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music for its renowned Music Therapy program—whose alumni include Quincy Jones, John Mayer, Diana Krall, Paula Cole, and Laufey. Although poised to become a music therapist, she chose instead to pursue her true calling: the art of singing.

She later undertook advanced training in the United Kingdom and Europe, studying at esteemed institutions such as the Royal Northern College of Music, Associated Studios (UK), Accademia Bel Canto (Austria), Rencontres Musicales de Wallonie (Belgium), and Junge Oper Schloss Weikersheim (Germany). She graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines, where she was mentored by some of the most respected names in Philippine choral music.

Karlene’s career as a professional opera singer has seen her perform lead roles in productions across France, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. She specialises in opera, sacred music, and choral repertoire, and also serves as a cantor for liturgical celebrations.

As a member of the Philharmonia Chorus—one of Europe's premier symphony choruses, known for its collaborations with the greatest conductors of our time—Karlene has sung on some of the world's most prestigious stages. These include the Royal Albert Hall, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Royal Festival Hall, the Rheingau Festival (Germany), and with the Orchestre National de Lille (France). She has also appeared in the BBC Radio 3 broadcast Easter at King’s, live from King’s College, Cambridge.

Karlene’s early musical foundation is equally impressive. She was awarded a full scholarship to the Philippine High School for the Arts as a Voice Major, was a NAMCYA (National Music Competitions for Young Artists) winner, and a grantee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. As a soprano soloist and ensemble member, she was part of the team that won the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing—the most prestigious international choral award.

In parallel with her performance career, Karlene is a highly sought-after voice technician and choir clinician, maintaining a thriving private studio in voice and piano. Her students include:

• West End theatre professionals

• Members of the Royal Opera House Youth Opera

• A Royal Chapel choral scholar who has sung at the King’s Coronation, Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral, and other major state occasions

• Aspiring artists across genres, many of whom consistently achieve distinction and merit in ABRSM and Trinity College London exams

Under her artistic leadership, Haraya Choir has flourished—garnering multiple national awards and delivering standout performances at major UK venues and festivals.

 

Fun Fact

Before her classical career took centre stage, Karlene was a radio student DJ for Campus Radio 97.1 WLSFM—then the leading pop station in Metro Manila. She also performed in professional musical theatre productions with Repertory Philippines, demonstrating her versatility across genres and performance platforms.

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