Laurice Guillen debuts as opera director in Carmen

October 26-28, 2012, 8:00 PM

St. Cecilia’s Hall, St. Scholastica’s College

Manila

Featuring:

Ana Feleo, soprano

Camille Lopez-Molina, soprano

Abdul Candao, tenor

Randy Gilongo, tenor

Noel Azcona, baritone

Christopher Arceo, baritone

Manila Symphony Orchestra

Arturo Molina, conductor

First it was a scaled down version of Così fan Tutte, then came La Traviata, Madame Butterfly, and The Barber of Seville (which I unfortunately missed). The year 2012 has been a banner year for opera productions here in Manila. And to cap such a year, the Lyric Opera of the Philippines, Manila Downtown YMCA and the Manila Symphony Orchestra present Carmen, the world’s most popular opera happening this October 26-28 at the St. Cecilia’s Hall at St. Scholastica’s College in Manila.

The well loved music of Georges Bizet will be brought to life by exceptional Filipino opera singers like sopranos Ana Feleo and Camille Lopez-Molina (Carmen); tenors Abdul Candao and Randy Gilongo (Don Jose); and baritones Noel Azcona and Christopher Arceo (Escamillo). They will be accompanied by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Prof. Arturo Molina and directed by first time opera director, Laurice Guillen.

This opera features some of the most well known pieces of music like the March of the Toreadors, Habanera and my personal favorite, the Entr'acte with the exquisite flute solo. Many people may not be familiar with the opera, but I think that they will be very surprised to hear familiar pieces of music that they've heard elsewhere. So it will be very nice to see and hear the actual source material of this pieces of music.

The Gala Night of Carmen happening on October 27 will have Ana Feleo as Carmen, Randy Gilongo as Don Jose and Noel Azcona as Escamillo. The October 26 & 28 performances will feature Camille Lopez-Molina as Carmen, Abdul Candao as Don Jose and Noel Azcona as Escamillo.

This production of Carmen is for the benefit of Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran Inc, Wycliffe Philippines and Across Ministries. Carmen is sponsored by the Alliance Française de Manille, Rothman Hotel, Goldland Properties and Development, Orocan, Western Guaranty Corporation, G2 Global Inc Hotels and Resorts, Juan Bautista Lee, Nieves Securities Inc., Angping Securities Inc., SeaOil, ChinoyTV, Tulay Chinese-Filipino Digest, Fil-Chi TV and in by ChinaBank, Burlington, San Miguel Beer and the Chinese Filipino Business Club.

Ticket prices:

October 27 (Gala Night)

P3000

P2500

P2000

P1500

P1000

P800

P500

October 26 & 28

P2000

P1500

P1000

P800

P500

For inquiries:

Alliance Française de Manille 895-7585, 895-7441.

Manila Downtown YMCA 242-1995, 242-1977

Ticketworld  891-9999