Verdi's La Forza del destino unravels fate's capricious nature for CP The Met: LIVE in HD

Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, La Forza del destino (The Power of Fate or The Force of Destiny), has long captivated audiences with its enigmatic portrayal of destiny. Set against the backdrop of Vienna, Verdi delves into themes of love, death, and betrayal through the intertwined journeys of anti-heroes Leonora, Alvaro, and Carlo, leaving audiences questioning the characters’ tragic decisions.

The opera’s compelling narrative has not been without its share of dramatic incidents. During a performance at the World of Opera, an audience member famously exclaimed, “Assassination of Verdi!," reflecting the intense emotional response that the play provokes. Such reactions are further heightened by historical events, such as when acclaimed baritone Leonard Warren tragically collapsed and died while singing its aria at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1960, underscoring the opera’s eerie connection to life’s cruel twists.

La Forza del destino marked Verdi’s return to opera after declaring that he would no longer compose. Three years after his proclamation, Verdi returned to the opera scene with La Forza del destino, reflecting Verdi’s contemplation of life’s complexities.

The storyline begins with Leonora and Alvaro fleeing after a tragic accident involving Leonora’s father, the Marquis. Pursued by Leonora’s vengeful brother Carlo, the characters’ lives spiral into a series of fateful encounters, challenging them to confront the consequences of their actions and the relentless grip of destiny.

For the next installment of the CCP The Met: LIVE in HD, Lise Davidsen takes on the titular role of Leonora. She made her opera debut with this iconic role. Tenor Brian Jagden plays Don Alvaro, Leonora’s ill-fated lover, while baritone Igor Golovatenko embodies the role of the vengeful Don Carlo. Under the direction of Mariusz Treliński and guided by the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, this production promises a captivating experience with a runtime of 4 hours and 22 minutes.

La Forza del destino will be screened on July 2, 5:30 p.m., exclusively at Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1 in Makati City. Regular tickets are priced at PHP350, with a special discounted price of PHP100 for students and young professionals upon presenting a valid ID. Tickets are available at the venue’s ticket booth or can be booked online at www.sureseats.com.

For more information about CCP The Met: LIVE in HD Season 9, please visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow our official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

CCP scholar Lizzie Estrada’s suntok sa buwan journey into serenading the world

Lizzie Bett Estrada

No dream is too big when you have the courage to pursue it. For UK-based, classical soprano Lizzie Bett Estrada, her dreams can move mountains and people – in more places than one.

“My parents can sing. We are a typical family who enjoys karaoke,” laughed Estrada. “I started joining choirs in elementary since I enjoyed singing with people, and then I got to know more about my voice and what it was actually capable of.”

Estrada is one of the scholars of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ International Scholarship Program, which aims to provide financial support to exceptional learners who have achieved outstanding academic and artistic excellence in their respective art forms and have been accepted to higher educational institutions outside the Philippines.

Estrada’s love for singing brought her to the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), where she graduated with Highest Honors and an Outstanding Student Award in the field of music.

The Laguna-born music artist looks back on the start of her musical journey and revealed the depth of her father’s support to get her into PHSA.

“My dad was the one who suggested PHSA. I think his intention was just getting free tuition so he didn’t know that singing in PHSA is actually classical. I didn't know anything about music theory when I first auditioned, so suntok sa buwan siya.”

Back then, the young CCP scholar persisted in learning basic music theory from her choir conductor until she passed her second audition and finally entered the learning institution located in Makiling.

“I really enjoyed singing during my first four years in Makiling. Sobrang saya na makapag-aral ng iba’t ibang genre tulad ng pop and choral singing. And then I started joining competitions outside of the country,” she enthused.

Estrada competed in Thailand and Singapore during her second and third years in PHSA. Despite not winning, she was happy to perform in different music halls abroad. The experience made her hope to perform on a bigger stage.

“It was a slow and gradual love for singing and opera. Hearing stories from my teachers, parang ang sarap mangarap nang malaki kasi ‘yung mga kinukwento nila that they've been everywhere. So I thought, what if I could also do all those things?”

Estrada’s repertoire grew under the tutelage of her PHSA mentors Camille Lopez-Molina and Pablo Molina. She eventually received scholarship offers from two prestigious music schools in London - the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Despite her concerns over the expenses of moving to the United Kingdom, Estrada and her father were determined to pursue the once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Suntok lang sa buwan. I was also trying my best but it was my dad who wrote all the letters and physically sent them to the NCCA, Ayala Foundation, and the CCP. We were hoping they would support us since we already have a full scholarship – and they did.”

The CCP, through its then president Margarita Moran-Floirendo, offered to make Estrada one of its International Scholars and shoulder her accommodation, allowances, and other educational expenses.

Currently, Estrada is taking the Music Standard Pathway program at the Royal Academy of Music and training under the tutelage of Professor Susan Waters. She recently took home the first prize at the Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary for Young Singers in Manchester, England.

Estrada reflects on her experience: “Two weeks before the competition, we had a run through during our performance class.”

“And funny enough I was being too humble - as Filipinos tend to be - so, pagkatapos ko kumanta, I kept saying ‘Oh no, I didn’t really do good kasi I made so many mistakes.’ Kinausap ako ng teacher ko. She said, ‘You really did good, it’s just in your culture to be humble. That’s why the first thing you thought was that what you gave was not enough. But the truth is, it is enough.”

Estrada realized she just had to let herself enjoy the music and feel the genuine appreciation of the audience to make her performances more meaningful.

“I felt like I won not because I was sure na mananalo ako, but because I discovered that feeling myself. It was very nurturing for me. I was free.”

Nowadays, Estrada is actively working on how to improve herself by exploring her strengths and weaknesses. She recalls a lesson from her mentor Lopez-Molina about having grit so she could push through the obstacles that may come her way.

“Just dream big. Sabi nga nila, it doesn’t cost anything to dream.”

K-Drama OST Concert to celebrate 75 years of Philippine-South Korea Diplomatic Relations

Earlier this month, the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Busan, South Korea also commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the two nations. Held at the Busan Eurasia Platform, Outdoor Plaza, the event saw performances by HORI7ON, Esay Bulanio, Zephanie, Zack Tabudlo, and SB19. It also featured the special appearance of Alas Pilipinas, the Philippine national women's volleyball team. A brief comment by Sisi Rondina onstage set the online world ablaze pitting volleyball and the A'TIN fans against each other. The non-controversy has cooled since then.

Gaho
photo from @ad_gaho at instagram

But the anniversary celebrations continue in Philippine shores this time around with a concert highlighting the music of K-Dramas that has swept the nation for more than two decades already.

The concert, entitled OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert, happens on June 29, 2024, 2:00 PM at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. The performance features the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera. Also performing is South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho who topped the Korean charts with Start Over" (시작) from the OST of Itaewon Class Part 2. Two of the country's promising recording artists, Julie Anne San Jose and Zephanie, will also perform songs from Filipino adaptations of K-Dramas.

Julie Anne San Jose
photo from @myjaps at instagram

The concert is for free and one just needs to reserve seats (if there are still any available, through this site: bit.ly/ostsymphony.

Zephanie
photo from @zephanie at instagram

OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Korean Cultural Center Philippines (KCC).

Reprinted below is the press release for OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert.

OST SYMPHONY: K-DRAMA IN CONCERT CELEBRATES PHILIPPINE-KOREAN CULTURAL HARMONY

Commemorating the 75th anniversary of Philippine-South Korean diplomatic relations, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Korean Cultural Center Philippines (KCC) present OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert, slated on Saturday, June 29, 2pm, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila City.

Led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) will enchant audiences with unforgettable melodies from beloved South Korean and Filipino dramas and films. From tear-jerking ballads to heart-pounding themes, each piece promises to evoke cherished memories and emotions associated with iconic K-dramas such as My Love from the Star, Descendants of the Sun, and Crash Landing on You.

South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho will captivate listeners with his soulful renditions of K-drama OST favorites. Also, as part of the celebration, Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose and Pop Princess Zephanie Dimaranan will perform music from Filipino adaptations of well-loved K-dramas.

Since March 3, 1949, the Philippines and the South Korean governments have maintained a multi-faceted relationship, underpinned by mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to enhancing cooperation across various fields. It started when the Philippines - one of the first countries to respond to the United Nations' call for aid - sent its forces, the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), to support South Korea against the aggression of North Korea. Over the decades, this relationship has evolved to become a rich tapestry of diplomatic, economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Cultural exchange plays a pivotal role in Philippine-South Korean relations, ushered in by Hallyu (Korean wave) and facilitated by the popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, cuisine, and language in the Philippines. Likewise, Filipino culture, including music, dance, and cuisine, enjoys a growing following in South Korea. These cultural exchanges and exposure also play a crucial role in enriching our societies, promoting mutual respect, inspiring artistic innovation, and broadening our horizons, ultimately enhancing our collective critical understanding,” said CCP President Kaye C. Tinga.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Philippine-South Korean diplomatic and cultural relations with this extraordinary concert, showcasing the vibrant talents of both South Korean and Filipino artists, and building stronger ties through the universal language of music,” she added.

The OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert exemplifies the power of music to transcend borders, fostering unity and mutual understanding among people from diverse nations.

The event is free to the public. To reserve seats, you may visit: bit.ly/ostsymphony.

For latest updates, follow the official CCP, NCCA, and KCC social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Explore the latest in the arts and culture scene by visiting the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph