Australian soprano Claire Primrose celebrates Wagner’s music in concert

November 10, 2012, 8:00 PM Performance

Philam Life Auditorium

UN Avenue, Manila

November 11, 2012, 2:00 PM Masterclass

Filipinas Heritage Library

Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle

Makati

Featuring:

Claire Primrose, soprano

Randy Gilongo, tenor

Manila Symphony Orchestra

Alexander Vikulov, conductor

German composer Richard Wagner is celebrating the bicentennial of his birth. Because of this, his works will be staged all over the world. Unfortunately, a soprano who can meet the demands of his works is a rarity. Fortunately, Australian Claire Primrose, one of the world’s most sought after Wagnerian soprano and Australia’s finest dramatic soprano today, will be performing here this coming November 10, 2012, 8:00 PM at the Philam Life Auditorium. Performing an all-Wagner repertoire, Primrose will be accompanied by the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Russian conductor Alexander Vikulov. Joining her will be guest artist, Filipino tenor Randy Gilongo who essayed the role of Don Jose in the recently concluded production of Carmen.

Honestly, I have no idea how a Wagnerian soprano should sound like. Those who have been reading this blog know that I’m an opera newbie having only seen my first ever opera production this year. But I’ve heard that Wagner operas have a reputation for being difficult for both the performers and the listeners. And I think it’s expensive to mount a Wagner opera as well. Fortunately, the one night concert will feature excerpts from various Wagner operas like Tannhäuser, Tristan und Isolde, Die Walküre and Die Götterdämmerung which I believe is a good way to introduce people like me to his works.

Soprano Claire Primrose

Here is additional info about Claire Primrose according to the press release: a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, Ms. Claire Primrose is a protégée of Great Dame Joan Hammond, an internationally acclaimed soprano and a pedagogue.  Ms. Primrose has won numerous awards including the ABC Vocal and Instrumental Competition, the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Scholarship Award, the Metropolitan Opera Audition to name but a few.  She also studied in London and New York with some of the world’s most renowned coaches. She has sung on many opera stages around the world with some of the world’s finest conductors.

As part of Manila Chamber Orchestra Foundation's Young Artists Development Program, Ms. Primrose will conduct a special masterclass on November 11, 2012 at the Filipinas Heritage Library at 2:00 PM. The masterclass is open to the public and free of charge.

This one night concert and masterclass of Claire Primrose is presented by the Manila Symphony Orchestra in partnership with the Australian Embassy, Manila Hotel, Qantas Airlines, BPI Foundation, BusinessWorld and Lyric Piano and Organ Corp.

Ticket prices:

P1500 Orchestra Center

P1000 Orchestra Side

P800 Loge Center

P600 Loge Side

For inquiries:

MCO Foundation 750-0768, (0920) 954-0053.

Ticketworld 891-9999