Musicartes stages La Bohème opera at SM Aura Premier’s Samsung Hall

October 18-19, 2014

Samsung Hall

SM Aura Premier, Taguig

Featuring:

Margarita Giannelli, soprano

Scott Ramsay, tenor

Fernando Araujo, baritone

Myramae Meneses, soprano

Greg de Leon, baritone

Nonon Baang, baritone

Viva Voce

Manila Symphony Orchestra

Jonathan Velasco, conductor

Soprano Margarita Giannelli

After a year’s absence, full length operas came back on the live stage in full force this 2014, and to cap it all off is the one considered as the most romantic of all, Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème happening this October 18-19, 2014, 7:30 PM at the Samsung Hall of the SM Aura Premier in Taguig.

Baritone Fernando Araujo

This opera, presented by MusicArtes, Inc. and A-Team, is led by the phenomenal soprano Margarita Gianelli playing the seamstress Mimì. Giannelli, a Rosa Ponselle awardee, impressed audiences with her performance as Micaela in Carmen back in 2012 and Aida at the Viva Verdi 1813-2013 Bicentennial Gala Concert. Her lover, the poet Rodolfo will be played by American tenor Scott Ramsay. Italo-Brazilian baritone Fernando Araujo plays Marcello while promising young soprano Myramae Meneses play the role of his on and off lover Musetta. Baritones Nonon Baang (Colline) and Greg de Leon (Schaunard) complete the main cast.

Tenor Ivan Nery and baritone Fernando Araujo

Tenor Ivan Nery and soprano Margarita Giannelli

Also appearing in this production are Michael Bulaong, Raymond Yadao and Viva Voce. Maestro Jonathan Velasco conducts the Manila Symphony Orchestra. Directing the opera will be Dr. Anton Juan whose last full length opera was Madame Butterfly, also presented by MusicArtes, Inc. The set design by Otto Fernandez is said to have a modern aesthetic even though the opera will still be set in the early 19^th century. Light design will be by Joseph Matheu while the costumes will be handled by the MusicArtes team.

Soprano Stephanie Aguilar

The opera La Bohème is actually the source material of the popular musical Rent and now is the perfect chance for fans of the musical (and/or the film adaptation) to finally see for themselves where their favorite was actually based from. For me, the main highlights of La Bohème has got to be Sì, mi chiamano Mimì in which Mimì dishes out more poetry than the love struck poet Rodolfo and also her parting aria to her lover, Donde lieta uscì. But for many, their favorite is the most popular aria from the opera which is Musetta’s waltz, Quando men vo. Other highlights in the opera are Rodolfo’s Che gelida manina, Mimì and Rodolfo’s duet O soave fanciulla, and Colline’s Vecchia zimarra which is a sad farewell to his coat. Most of these arias were performed during the press conference held at Chef Jessie's with Margarita Giannelli, Fernando Araujo, Nonon Baang along with understudies Ivan Nery (Rodolfo), Stephanie Aguilar (Musetta).

Baritone Nonon Baang

It will also be very interesting to see how the Samsung Hall will be like since the venue hasn’t been used for a full length opera production before. MusicArtes’ Jay Glorioso told members of the media that one reason why they decided to stage La Bohème there is so that they can reach out to more people, especially those who frequent the SM Aura Premier.

Nonon Baang, Ivan Nery, Stephanie Aguilar, Jonathan Velasco, Margarita Giannelli,
Fernando Araujo, and Jay Glorioso

Ticket prices:

P5000 Orchestra Patron

P4500 Orchestra VIP 1

P4000 Orchestra VIP 2

P3500 Orchestra VIP 3

P3000 Orchestra 1

P2800 Orchestra 2

P2500 Loge Center

P2000 Loge Side

P1500 Balcony Center

P1000 Balcony Side

For inquiries:

Musicartes 895-8098, 519-3603

A-Team (0918) 921-6835

Nonon Baang (0921) 207-6945, (0927) 687-4403

SM Tickets 470-2222