Noli Me Tangere, the Opera's final bow and this week in concerts

Noli Me Tangere, the Opera takes a final bow

Despite a packed Friday schedule, I was able to rush back to the Cultural Center of the Philippines and catch the second half of the closing performance of Noli Me Tangere, the Opera. I was finally able to see Bianca Camille Lopez as Maria Clara and also Mari Yapjoco as Basilio. I would've wanted to see a different Ibarra and Sisa aside from Ronan Ferrer and Stephanie Aguilar respectively but the alternates already took their final bows in earlier shows. As expected, the intense scene of Sisa and Basilio near the end was the most applauded. I felt sorry for the impatient young woman beside me who left during the Awit ng Gabi ni Sisa. She missed one of the best moments of the entire opera. Such a shame.

Like one cast member told me, the opera does grow on you. With just a second viewing of the second half, the music started to make a stamp on me with the leitmotifs (especially that of Sa Lupang Pangako) becoming more evident. The charming quartet Pusong Pinagtali has also endeared itself to me. And the pacing that I felt was disjointed before was now tighter and flowed better. The production was also able to remedy some of the technical miscues. I only had some issues with the lighting as the patterns on the floor looked contemporary and out of place in a period piece like this.

I was extremely pleased to see a lot of young people among the audience. Opera productions in here are often joked as a gathering of senior citizens. But such was not the case for Noli Me Tangere, the Opera. with a great mix of the young and old in attendance. For once, I was glad to have belonged to the older demographic.

The opera may have taken its final bows (for now) but that doesn't mean that there aren't any more shows to look out for this week. Here's a selection of music performances happening over the next few days. 

First off is the return of Korean superstar soprano Sumi Jo for a one night cnthis February 7, 2017, 8:00 PM at the Meralco Theater. This performance comes at the heels of her successful concerts in Hong Kong. Learn more about Sumi Jo Divine Diva concert here.

The night of February 9, 2017 will be filled with music with at least three performances happening.

The Ayala Museum kicks off its 2017 Concert Series with a pre-Valentine’s Day presentation Caught in a Madz Romance featuring the world renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers led by choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio at 6:30 PM at the Ayala Museum.

Caught in a Madz Romance

February 9, 2017, 6:30 PM | Ayala Museum

Featuring:

Philippine Madrigal Singers

Mark Anthony Carpio, choirmaster

Ticket prices:

P700 Regular | P560 Discounted Rate| P500 Senior Citizens | P300 Students

For a unique music crossover in a club atmosphere experience, head over to the Beato Angelico Gallery at the University of Sto. Tomas at 7:00 PM for Classical X Electro featuring Hamburg based string orchestra Ensemble Resonanz and local electronic artist similarobjects. Check out more details about this performance here.

At 8:00 PM over at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) will be the world premiere performance of Diwata ng Bayan. With music by Carmela Buencamino Sinco and libretto by Ed Maranan, this opera is presented by the University of the Philippines’ College of Music in line with the celebrations of its 100^th year anniversary.

Diwata ng Bayan, a new full-length lyric opera is a love story between two characters named Matias Ylagan and Mayumi Lualhati, set during the turbulent years of the Philippine-American war in the 1900s, touching on critical issues such as clash of cultures, dispossession of land, collaboration with the colonial power and the unfinished revolution of 1896. The hero and heroine also play the roles of mythical characters named Dimalupig and Diwata in the sarsuwela which is integrated into the middle part of the opera.

Ervin Lumauag and Criselda Go lead the cast that also includes Keith Segura, Rica Nepomuceno, Maria Carmila Molina, Jeconiah Retulla, JM Espiritu, Emlyn Santos, Malvin Bethoven Macasaet, Paul Manet Martinez, Michelle Mariposa, Angelica Rose Benipayo, Ma. Rovelyn Bautista, Keisha Joy Paulo, Bianca Louise Nicole Baltazar, Cassandra Imperial, Joshua F. Cadeliña, Myron de la Cruz, Jhon Paul Fino, Rodney Erick Abuel, Airo Saret, Raymond Leslie Diaz, and Jomar de la Cruz.

Heading the creative and technical team is Dr. Ramon G. Acoymo as the overall Production and Artistic Director. Prof. Rodney Ambat conducts the Diwata ng Bayan orchestra. Rounding up the team is Jose Christe Nombres for Light Design and Technical Direction, Eric Anthony Pineda for Costume Design, and Ricardo Eric Cruz for the Set Design.

Diwata ng Bayan

February 9, 2017, 8:00 PM | Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Ticket prices:

P1500 | P1300 | P1200 | P1000 | P800 | P700 | P500

50% discount for students

20% discount for senior citizens, PWD, government and military personnel

Back by popular demand, the power vocals of Aegis and the symphonic sounds of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra team up once again for Aegis in Symphony, Symphonic Aegis #HugotPaMore on February 11, 2017, 8:00 PM at the CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Find out more about this concert here.

See the next generation of concert pianists via the Henrietta Sydeco Tayengco-Limjoco Mozart Piano Concerto Competition Winners’ Concert this February 12, 2017, 4:00 PM at the Fleur de lis Theater of St. Paul University Manila.

Pianists Gabriel Allan Paguirigan, Ye Yun Yi, Miguel Lorenzo Panagsagan, Jet Stephen Chong, Kirsten Chantrice Fabellar, Rinaldi Alvin Yonathan, Betina Edith Bernabe, and Klyde Francis Ledamo will perform works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, and Camille Saint-Saëns. The Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Aries Caces accompanies Ledamo and Chong’s performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto for Two Pianos in E major.

This concert is presented by the Henrietta Sydeco Tayengco-Limjoco Piano Competition, in cooperation with the Piano Teachers' Guild of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. and Steinway Boutique Manila, and in partnership with the Manila Symphony Orchestra and St. Paul University Manila.

The best thing about this concert? Admission is free. Years later, when these young pianists make it big, one can say that he/she was there to witness their budding greatness at this concert.

Henrietta Sydeco Tayengco-Limjoco Mozart Piano Concerto Competition Winners’ Concert

February 12, 2017, 4:00 PM | Fleur de lis Theater, St. Paul University Manila

Ticket price:

Free admission

The Società Dante Alighieri Manila and Lyric Opera of the Philippines present the Gala Premier of Giacomo Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi which is now going to be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) on February 12, 2017, 7:00 PM.

This production, under the music direction of Michelle Nicolasora , is the 2017 opener of L’Opera on Wheels that aims to make classic opera accessible to a much broader audience. Baritone Noel Azcona sings the title role. Joining Noel in this production are Elisanta Cortes, Jasmin Salvo, Randy Gilongo, and Nomher Nival.

Following the Gala Premier, subsequent performances on March 3-4, 2017, 7:00 PM will be staged at the Power Mac Spotlight Center in Circuit Makati.

Gianni Schicchi

February 12, 2017, 7:00 PM | Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

For inquiries:

SDA Manila (0998) 858-1695, sda.manila@dantemanila.com

Such a packed week and unfortunate that it's physically impossible for me to see all of them. See you at the concerts!

Lisa Zheng debut recital at the CCP

October 26, 2013, 7:00 PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Lisa Zheng, piano

Manila Symphony Orchestra

Arturo Molina, conductor

Programme:

Franz Liszt

     Hungarian Rhapsody no. 10 in E major, S.244/10

     Grandes études de Paganini No. 3 in G sharp minor, S.141 La Campanella

Frédéric Chopin

     Nocturne in B-flat Minor, Op.9, No.1

     Étude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12 Revolutionary

Alberto Ginastera Danzas Argentinas

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Concerto No. 19 in F major, KV.459

Xian Xinghai The Yellow River Piano Concerto

The Piano Teachers Guild of the Philippines presents the debut recital of pianist Lisa Zheng happening this October 26, 2013, 7:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

A student of Cecile Roxas-Basilio, Lisa is currently a 10^th grade student at the International School Manila, where she is also the pianist of the school’s orchestra under the baton of Guime Odendaal.

She will be performing solo works by Franz Liszt (Hungarian Rhapsody no. 10 in E major, S.244/10 and Grandes études de Paganini No. 3 in G sharp minor, S.141 La Campanella), Frédéric Chopin (Nocturne in B-flat Minor, Op.9, No.1 and Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12 Revolutionary) and Alberto Ginastera (Danzas Argentinas). Her performance of the collaborative works by Wolfang Amadeus Mozart (Piano Concerto No. 19 in F major, KV.459) and Xian Xinghai (The Yellow River Piano Concerto) will be accompanied by the Manila Symphony Orchestra conducted by Arturo Molina.

Lisa views this recital as an exposure to express her musical self so necessary to hone her artistry. Her parents are Liping Zheng, an advisor at the Asian Development Bank who dabbles in painting and Jianping Xue Zheng.

Ticket price:

Invitational with few invitations shared with the public on a first come-first served basis.

For inquiries:

Prof. Cecile Basilio-Roxas 928-1598, (0927) 788-2504

Forte@40

The moment I entered the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), the first thing I did was to count the pianos set up on stage, to see for myself if there were indeed forty of them. Never mind that the concert was called Forte@40, in celebration of the Piano Teachers’ Guild of the Philippines’ 40^th Anniversary, but I just had to make sure that the pianos were indeed forty.

After counting, I had to take note of how the pianos were set up: two top of the line Shigeru Kawai concert grand pianos placed right in front of the stage, eight grand pianos of various smaller sizes took the prime spots at the stage, and the rest of the thirty Kawai emblazoned upright pianos filled up the entire space. All of the Kawai pianos were provided by Lyric Piano and Organ Corp. The utilization of the orchestra pit area and the use of risers for the pianos further back the stage gave the impressive setup levels and depth that allowed the audience to see almost everything onstage.

The concert started with a very accessible piece called Concertino on Familiar Tunes by Stanley Avery. As the title stated, the tunes were very familiar and this introductory piece with 40 pianists, (1 per piano) all of them led by conductor Herminigildo Ranera, set the tone for the evening. While the opening number was all about accessibility, the second piece, Grand Perpetual Motion Waltz by Michael Cox was an impressive display of virtuosity by 12 pianists possessing advanced technical skills. I found it a very nice touch of having 10 very young piano students play side by side with his/her teacher on a single piano (20 pianists, 2 per piano) during the next number which was the Andante from Franz Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 94 in G major, Hob. VI:54 Surprise. This piece, conducted this time by Daniel Bartolome may not have had the technical difficulty of the one that preceded it, but it had an ample dose of cuteness.

Since this event is in line with the PTGP’s 40^th Anniversary, it wasn’t any surprise that the number 40 was a recurring theme throughout the concert. The first of the 40 themed pieces was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor, KV. 550 in which 40 piano teachers played the symphony’s first movement, the very popular Allegro molto. This is a very familiar symphony even for casual audiences and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them couldn’t get the opening bars out of their heads after hearing this piece. After this, Father Manuel Maramba OSB, decked in wizard’s clothing signaled the young pianists to start the next piece which was Harry Potter Fantasy and Super Mario Capriccio (on a theme by Koji Kondo) arranged and transcribed by Kabaitan Bautista. This proved to be a tricky piece having five parts and there were some spotty moments when the pianists weren’t in sync with each other.

The second half of the concert started with another 40 themed piece which was Frédéric Chopin’s Polonaise in A major, Op. 40 Military, a regular part of a concert pianists’ repertoire. There weren’t any fancy arrangements made for this one but some parts were split among the 40 piano teachers (1 per piano) who performed this. I noticed that some of the pianists like Dr. Raul Sunico, Anthony Say and Carolyn Cheng played the piece in its original form without the aid of a music sheet. After this traditional piece, the concert took a turn for the unexpected as 20 pianists (1 per piano) played something based on modern rock music which is Contagion based on Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana by Kabaitan Bautista. And what was more surprising was that this was played by pianists whom I never expected to play this kind of music like Philippine Madrigal Singers choirmaster Mark Carpio and others like Mary Anne Espina, Najib Ismail and Peter Porticos. This by far was the most complicated, dissonant piece of the concert with 10 different parts with a pair of pianists playing each part.

Pianists Enzo Medel and Jeline Oliva

After this rather esoteric piece, the pace changed once again as more pleasant sounding tunes Workin’ on the Railroad by Eugénie Rocherolle and Perpetual Commotion by Kevin Olson were played by 28 young pianists (2 per piano). More crowd pleasing music was heard as 20 pianists (1 per piano) performed a Ryan Cayabyab arranged Pop Medley featuring a medley of OPM hits like Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Saranggola ni Pepe, Pumapatak ang Ulan and many others. This number certainly was a hit among the audience getting one of the loudest applause during the whole concert. A very overwhelming finale capped Forte@40 with the world premiere of Augusto Espino’s Mga Gintong Pamana. Featuring 80 pianists (2 per piano), this was the most awaited part of the evening. Commissioned by the Piano Teachers Guild of the Philippines specifically for their 40^th Anniversary, this piece showcased themes of various works by Filipino composers like Nicanor Abelardo, Lucio San Pedro and Lucrecia Kasilag among others. I had to admit though that while this piece was being played, I paid more attention to finding out who’s playing and where rather than listening to the composition. The sheer spectacle of what I was seeing meant that listening had to take a backseat which was rather unfortunate for me. I would really like to hear this piece once again even if it only had a tenth of pianists involved.

I can only imagine how difficult it is to put together this kind of concert with the number of pianos and pianists involved. And the Piano Teachers Guild of the Philippines managed to pull it off producing a concert of this magnitude. One of the most odd feelings that I’ve gotten after watching this concert was that I am now looking forward to the day that I turn 40, hoping that it would be as grand as Forte@40.

40 pianos take centerstage at Forte@40 Concert

November 18, 2012, 3:00 & 7:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

I’ve seen 10 grand pianos onstage whenever I get to see the annual Sampung Mga Daliri concert presented by the UST Conservatory of Music. One might think that having 10 grand pianos onstage is already an undertaking of great magnitude. But the Piano Teachers’ Guild of the Philippines (PTGP), Cultural Center of the Philippines, Lyric Piano and Organ Corp. and Kawai take it several notches higher as they present 40 pianos on stage for Forte@40 happening this November 18, 2012, 3:00 & 7:00 PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

This special concert is in line with the PTGP's 40^th anniversary celebration, hence the 40 pianos on stage. The number 40 also figures prominently in the concert as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor, KV. 550 (arranged for 40 pianos) and Frédéric Chopin’s Polonaise in A major, Op. 40 No. 1 Military (arranged for 40 pianos) are some of the pieces included in the programme. These and the other pieces lined up for the concert represent five genres of music namely Baroque, Classical, 20^th Century, Pop and Filipino music. Conducted by Herminigildo Ranera and Daniel Bartolome, this historic concert will feature over 300 pianists ages 8 to 80 comprising of students, teachers/members, past and present PTGP board members, festival participants and competition winners on 40 pianos (10 Shigeru Kawai grand and 30 upright pianos).

Forte@40 Participants

The mix of grand and upright pianos will be an interesting aural experience as the sound projection from each type of pianos will be different. This proved to be exciting for one of the arrangers whose works are featured in the concert, composer Kabaitan Bautista. Not only does he have 40 pianos in his sandbox, but he also gets to play around with which piano and pianist will play a certain part. This also enables him to decide from which part of the stage the music will come from. The result is comparable to having a surround sound speaker system just like in the cinema. Kabaitan arranged two pieces for this concert: the Harry Potter Fantasy and Super Mario Capriccio Based on a Theme by Koji Kondo and Contagion on a Theme by Nirvana. He mentioned that what’s interesting in the Harry Potter/Super Mario piece is that the players will range from little kids to college students while the Nirvana piece will feature pianists whom one will never expect to play Nirvana like UP Madrigal Singers choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio and UST Singers conductor Fidel Calalang.

One of the main highlights of the concert will be the world premiere of Mga Gintong Pamana by Augusto “Agot” Espino, commissioned by the Piano Teachers' Guild of the Philippines which will showcase 40 pianos with 80 players: two per piano playing the parts. This easily eclipses Sampung Mga Daliri’s maximum of 20 pianists onstage. The piece pays homage to renowned Filipino composers like Nicanor Abelardo, Dr. Francisco Santiago, Francisco Buencamino, Sr., Dr. Antonio Molina, Rosendo Santos, Jr., Lucio San Pedro, Felipe De Leon, Sr., Ramon Tapales, Dr. Lucrecia Kasilag, and Rodolfo Cornejo. All of them are the who’s who in the field of Philippine music and piano literature.

Other notable performers in this concert are CCP President Dr. Raul Sunico, concert pianists Della Besa and Annie De Guzman, Fr. Manuel Maramba, OSB, Carmen Padilla, Nita Abrograr-Quinto, Najib Ismail, Mary Anne Espina, and many more.

Pianist Lorenzo Medel

The over-all production team of  Forte@40 is led by Dennis Marasigan (Artistic Director and Lighting Director), Eric Cruz (Set Designer), Antonio Africa (Video Documentary), Ave Asuncion Uy (Stage Manager), Toots O. Tolentino (PR & Publicity) and Mari Yuda (Marketing). Forte@40 is also supported by media partners Business World, Herword.com, Chinoy TV and The Manila Bulletin.

Ticket prices:

P2000 Orchestra Center

P1500 Orchestra Side

P800 Balcony I Center

P500 Balcony I Side

P350 Balcony II

For inquiries:

PTGP askptgp@yahoo.com

Ticketworld 891-9999