Winners' concert for NAMCYA's 46th anniversary

In celebration of 46 years of discovering and showcasing Filipino talents, the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) presents Alab ng Musika: Wagi #galingNAMCYA”  , a concert of winners happening on August 23, 2019, 8:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

Leading the lineup is cellist Giancarlo Castrillo Gonzales, a two-time NAMCYA winner. He will perform Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33 with the UST Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dr. Renato Lucas, the current NAMCYA President and former principal cellist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Other performers at the concert include the award winning choir DYCI Galak conducted by Nelson dela Cruz and the Pundaquit Virtuosi under the artistic direction of Alfonso "Coke" Bolipata.

NAMCYA aims not just to encourage Filipinos to present their gift of music to people, but also to honor the nationalism and Philippine culture by fostering of diverse musical heritage. Through their training and competitions, young artists get to improve and advance on their skills as performers as well as broaden their knowledge and perspective in music education.

Philippine opera and fashion join forces for Marawi

The top names in Philippine opera and fashion unite for the fundraiser Marawing Salamat – The Best of Opera & Fashion for Marawi happening this April 6, 2018, 8:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and Lyric Opera of the Philippines in cooperation with E. Zobel Foundation, Inc., this production will benefit the Duyog Marawi project of the Prelature of St. Mary’s in Marawi established by Bishop Edwin dela Peña together with Redemptionist missionaries.

Marawing Salamat – The Best of Opera & Fashion for Marawi, a twin bill production, will be under the general direction of acclaimed filmmaker Carlos Suigion-Reyna.

Soprano Mary Patrice Pacis and tenor Randy Gilongo with pianist Peter Porticos

The Best of Opera will feature arias from popular operas like Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca, La Bohème, and Turandot, Georges Bizet’s Carmen, Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, and Rigoletto, Ruggero Leoncavallo’s I Pagliacci, and Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette among others to be performed by an all Filipino cast from the Lyric Opera of the Philippines namely tenors Sherwin Sozon, Randy Gilongo and John Glenn Gaerlan, baritone Noel Azcona, sopranos Ana Feleo, Rica Nepomuceno, Mary Patrice Pacis, Ton Ton Pascual, and Naomi Sison. The UST Symphony Orchestra under the baton of guest conductor William Barkhymer will provide live music accompaniment for this portion.

Sopranos Naomi Sison and Ana Feleo sing while a model parade at the lobby

During the recent press conference held at the CCP, Siguion-Reyna said that he is currently working on tying up these arias together through a narrative thread and this is the biggest challenge for the opera part.

The Best of Fashion on the other hand will center on The Pomp and Pageantry of the Philippine Carnival Queens based on the concept and script of Zardo A. Austria and to be directed by Raymond Villanueva and Nathan de Leon. Fashion designers including Edgar Allan, Albert Andrada, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Eddie Baddeo, Delby Bragais, Tony Cajucom, Jing Chua, Steve de Leon, Peri Diaz, Toni Galang, Rocky Gathercole, Nolie Hans, Roland Lirio, Ricci Lizaso, Jojie Lloren, Edgar Madamba, Jontie Martinez, Ole Morabe, Richard Papa, Oskar Peralta, Lito Perez, Nardie Presa, Barge Ramos, Rholand Roxas, Renee Salud, Ditta Sandico, Edgar San Diego, and Fanny Serrano will have their Filipiniana designs paraded evoking the bygone era from circa 1908-1939 when the Carnival Queens captured the fancy and imagination of the Philippine public.

The fashion show will be serenaded by performances of well-loved kundimans, folk tunes and pop tunes by the UST Symphony Orchestra to be conducted this time by the group’s principal conductor Herminigildo Ranera.

The icons of Philippine opera and fashion will be given tributes too in this event. Opera legends Irma Potenciano, Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, Jose and Teresita Agana-Santos, Nomer Son, and Noel Velasco along with Philippine fashion pillars Ramon Valera, Jose “Pitoy” Moreno, Ben Farrales, Aureo Alonzo, Christian Espiritu, Joe Salazar, and Salvacion Lim-Higgins of Slims will be among those to be recognized this evening.

Those who want to relive the experience of this evening can get a copy of the upcoming book The Golden Age of Opera and Carnival Queens in the Philippines, written by Zardo A. Austria and designed by Marawi-born creative director Dopy Dopion, to be launched in July 4, 2018.

Opera singers, fashion designers, and models for Marawi

After all this music and pageantry, I do hope that everyone will not lose sight of those benefitting in this production, which is Marawi.

Unusual music pairing in UST Symphony Orchestra’s Brahms Meets Disney

The UST Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Daniel Bartolome tried to hit two birds with one stone and appeal to a wide variety of audiences at their opening concert of the season with Brahms Meets Disney. held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Probably the most unusual music pairing that I’ve ever seen at an orchestra performance, this concert featured the music of Johannes Brahms along with music from Walt Disney feature films throughout the decades.

As the USTSO’s first concert for this academic calendar, this was my first opportunity to see new blood replacing those who have already graduated. Not surprisingly, the upper strings outnumbered the lower strings and the violins drowned the cellos and basses earlier on with the opening piece of Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80.

The big test for the orchestra though was accompanying Malaysian pianist Ng Chong Lim with Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15. While Lim was up to the task and handled the grand scale of the concerto with command and relative ease (and giving me another opportunity to hear the Fazioli grand piano so soon after the last time I did), the orchestra struggled especially the numerous upper strings that were prone to go wild at times. At the end, I felt more relieved that the orchestra was able to get through and survive the entire concerto. And major props for Lim for keeping his ground even if the orchestra was not up to par.

RAd and Ng Chong Lim

Finally, with the Brahms part out of the way, the orchestra and everyone else were more relaxed with the Disney Suite arranged by Jedrick Itugot. The featured soloists in the suite were faculty members Ronan Ferrer, Eugene delos Santos, Elisanta Cortes, Thea Perez, Nenen Espina, and students Demi Fresco, Faye Transfiguracion, John Saga, and Ryan Tamondong. Backing them up were the combined forces of the UST Vocal Performance Department, Coro Tomasino and Liturgikon. The songs performed were from a wide range of Walt Disney animated feature films like Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, and Moana. Having Santa Fe, a song from the live action film and later on adapted as a stage musical Newsies, was an odd inclusion and I think that this was probably a nod for Ronan Ferrer (who sang it) and Daniel Bartolome as the two were the vocal coach and music director respectively at the musical’s recent staging.

While I have my misgivings with the Brahms piano concerto (my most anticipated part), I knew the importance of the Disney Suite (I was not initially really keen on it, I admit) as it marked the return of Nenen Espina to the stage after suffering from a major health scare earlier this year. She exuded joy in all of her solos and it was truly a treat to witness this important moment for her after being aware of everything that she has gone through this year.

Overall, this concert was a brave risk for the USTSO especially with the Brahms piano concerto. A few concerts are still lined up for the orchestra this season and it’s up to them to make sure that they would show marked improvement in their upcoming performances.

UST Symphony Orchestra looks forward in New World concert

Featuring:

Anthony Say, piano

Fe Marsha Nicolas, piano

UST Symphony Orchestra and Alumni

Herminigildo Ranera, conductor

Programme:

Franz Liszt

     Les préludes S.97

Francis Poulenc

     Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in D minor, FP 61

Antonín Dvořák

     Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178, From the New World

Encore:

Derrick Atangan (arranger)

     2015 Playlist

Watching the young members of the UST Symphony Orchestra in their latest concert, I had a sense that I was seeing a preview of the future of the orchestra scene here in the country. Led by conductor Herminigildo Ranera, the concert also featured pianists Anthony Say and Fe Marsha Nicolas. With a line up consisting of groundbreaking pieces by Franz Liszt, Francis Poulenc, and Antonín Dvořák, the concert lived up to its billing of New World, New Generation.

I couldn’t help but notice the massive orchestra made up of UST Conservatory of Music students, UST SO Alumni, and some faculty members assembled on stage as they started their opening piece, Liszt’s Les préludes S.97. From where I was seated, I could count around six flutes and the other sections had a few more instruments/chairs than what is typical. I doubt that List wrote this piece with this number of instruments in mind. As a result, the brass and winds somehow drowned the strings section that probably because of their size (around seven stands in the first violins alone), weren’t as tight and even. Despite the orchestra’s slight hiccups, their performance became a lightbulb moment for me as I was finally able to grasp the piece. The main motif and how it was repeated and transformed throughout the symphonic poem’s six sections, somehow became clear to me.

For obvious reasons, the main highlight of the concert for me was Francis Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in D minor, FP 61 with pianists and UST Conservatory of Music faculty Anthony Say and Fe Marsha Nicolas as the two soloists. Since it was my first time to see this piece played live and I had no idea how the piano parts were divided, I paid extra attention to this performance. Say, who was Piano 1, had a more prominent part than that of Nicolas’ Piano 2. It may not be as virtuosic like a Rachmaninoff concerto, the Poulenc concerto with its eclectic themes was still tricky nonetheless that demanded precise timing between Say and Nicolas as well as the orchestra.

The sheer number of musicians on stage was utilized to great effect with the orchestra’s take on Antonin Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178, From the New World. Again, the strings were a bit wild at the start, but somehow found their groove during the inner movements. I wish that the second movement Largo was played slower than they did it but that would’ve been extremely difficult on the English horn player who had to do the very famous melody. Towards the end, the orchestra started to strain a bit, with the horns getting unpredictable, and some out of sync bowing here and there. I guess that this was probably fatigue or a loss in concentration thinking that it’s just smooth sailing to the finish. One thing’s for sure, these students learned that they have to pace themselves well in order to finish strong, especially if it’s a long work like the New World Symphony.

With the main program already out of the way, everyone on stage was able to let their hair down with the encore, 2015 Playlist arranged by Derrick Atangan. The crowd pleasing medley featuring recent chart topping songs like Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk feat. Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber’s Sorry and Love Yourself, and Brandon Beal’s Twerk It Like Miley was such a hit among the UST students inside the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater. But what was particularly amusing for me was seeing the alumni and faculty (especially those who also play with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra) on stage performing this number.

Past and present members of UST Symphony Orchestra perform in Reunion concert

March 15, 2015, 6:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Cultural Center of the Philippines

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

UST Symphony Orchestra,

Herminigildo Ranera, conductor

Programme:

Dmitri Shostakovich

     Festive Overture in A major, Op. 96

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

     Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64

Gioachino Rossini

     William Tell Overture

Jean Sibelius

     Finlandia, Op. 26

Astor Piazzolla

     Libertango

The UST Symphony Orchestra and the USTSO Alumni join forces in Reunion happening on March 15, 2015, 6:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). This concert, conducted by Herminigildo Ranera, kicks off the USTSO’s 2015 performance season.

Concert lineup for this evening includes Dmitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture in A major, Op. 96, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64, Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell Overture, Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia, Op. 26, and Ástor Piazzolla’s Libertango.

The USTSO was established in 1927 by Dr. Manuel Casas who was a faculty member of UST Medicine and Surgery. After several public performances, the group disbanded in 1931 but was re-established in 1961 by Antonio Buenaventura, a National Artist for Music. Later on, besides performing in the city, the group went on a concert tour in neighboring provinces.

At present, the orchestra has 70 student-members and 15 UST faculty and staff. USTSO regularly performs at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and helps with its outreach program.

Ticket prices:

P800 Orchestra Center

P700 Orchestra Side

P600 Balcony I Center

P500 Balcony I Side

P400 Balcony II Center

P300 Balcony II Side
-50% student discount

-20% senior citizen discount

+applicable service charges

For inquiries:

UST Conservatory of Music 731-4022

CCP Box Office 832-3704

TicketWorld 891-9999

UST Symphony Orchestra to perform Prism Rhapsody and Star Wars

October 5, 2014, 6:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Cultural Center of the Philippines

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Yukiko Ishihara, marimba

UST Symphony Orchestra

Daniel Bartolome, conductor

Programme:

Gioachino Rossini Overture from La Gazza Ladra

Keiko Abe Prism Rhapsody

John Williams

     Star Wars Suite

     Battle of the Heroes

The UST Symphony Orchestra, a resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, presents a unique symphonic concert entitled Prism Rhapsody at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) this October 5, 2014, 6:00 PM.

Marimbist Yukiko Ishihara

The USTSO, along with conductor Daniel Bartolome welcomes in this concert, prize-winning Japanese marimbist Yukiko Ishihara who will perform the Prism Rhapsody of renowned marimbist composer Keiko Abe. Also to be performed in this concert are Gioachino Rossini’s Overture from La Gazza Ladra, John Williams’ Suite from Star Wars and Battle of the Heroes that will also feature special visual and sound effects.

An exhibit of Star Wars artworks in competition will also be on display at the CCP Main Theater Lobby during the concert.

Ticket prices:

P1000 Orchestra Center

P800 Orchestra Side

P700 Balcony I Center

P600 Balcony I Side

P400 Balcony II Center

P300 Balcony II Side

For inquiries:

UST Conservatory of Music Office 731-4022

CCP Box Office 832-1125

TicketWorld 891-9999

30th Sampung Mga Daliri, Atbp. pays tribute to Ernani Cuenco

October 4, 2014, 7:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Cultural Center of the Philippines

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

The UST Conservatory of Music celebrates the 30^th year of its popular Sampung Mga Daliri, Atbp. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanahgalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) this October 4, 2014 at 7:00 PM.

An annual showcase of the Conservatory talents highlighting various repertoire played on ten grand pianos by selected alumni, faculty, and students, the event also boasts of its outstanding ensembles including the UST Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra/Symphony Band, Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Voice faculty, Coro Tomasino, and Liturgikon Ensemble that will be performing alongside the piano groups.

Featured pieces are Invitation to the Dance (Weber), Rhapsody in Blue (Gershwin), Brasileira (Milhaud), Ang Maya (Estella), Inday (Buencamino), Take the A Train (arr. By Emi Muniji), Movie Themes (arr. By Naldy Rodriguez), and culminates with the Cuenco Medley (arr. By Fr. Manuel Maramba, OSB), honoring the late National Artist and UST Faculty Ernani Cuenco who conceptualized Sampung Daliri in 1984. Conductors include Herminigildo Ranera, Daniel Bartolome, Alberto Mesa, and Ronan Ferrer.

Ticket prices:

P1000 Orchestra Center

P800 Orchestra Side

P700 Balcony I Center

P600 Balcony I Side

P400 Balcony II Center

P300 Balcony II Side

For inquiries:

UST Conservatory of Music Office 731-4022

CCP Box Office 832-1125

TicketWorld 891-9999

Korean artists guest star in Tribute to the Thomasian 2014 concert

March 30, 2013, 6:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Fr. Manuel P. Maramba OSB, piano

Yun-Kyoung Yi, soprano

Nenen Espina, mezzo soprano

Ronan Ferrer, tenor

Daesan No, baritone

UST Singers

Coro Tomasino

Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble

UST Symphony Orchestra

Jae-Joon Lee, conductor

Programme:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Overture from The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492

Robert Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125

The University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines presents the UST Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Korean conductor Jae-Joon Lee with Filipino and Korean classical artists in a concert entitled Tribute to the Thomasian 2014 on March 30, 2014, 6:00 PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

Soprano Yun-Kyoung Yi

Baritone Daesan No

The program consists of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Overture from The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492, Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125. Featured artists are pianist Fr. Manuel P. Maramba OSB, soprano Yun-Kyoung Yi, mezzo soprano Nenen Espina, tenor Ronan Ferrer, and baritone Daesan No with the UST Singers, Coro Tomasino, and the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble.

Mezzo soprano Nenen Espina

Tenor Ronan Ferrer

Founded in 1927 by Dr. Manuel Casas of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, the UST Symphony Orchestra has produced many musicians, some of whom have become the country’s leading artists. Presently, the Orchestra is comprised of 70 student-members, including winners of national music competitions, participants of foreign youth orchestras and scholars of important music schools abroad. It is the official orchestra of the University of Santo Tomas and an integral part of the UST Conservatory of Music. A resident performing group of the CCP which subsidizes its training program, it holds regular concerts at the CCP and participates in the CCP Outreach and Exchange program. It also serves as a training orchestra for the future needs of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and other professional ensembles.

Conductor Jae-Joon Lee

Ticket prices:

P1000 Orchestra Center

P800 Orchestra Side

P600 Balcony I Center

P500 Balcony I Side

P300 Balcony II

For inquiries:

UST Conservatory of Music 731-4022, 406-1611 local 8246

CCP Box Office 832-3704
TicketWorld 891-9999

Carmen at the FEU

The cast of Carmen

Featuring:

Ana Feleo, soprano

Randy Gilongo, tenor

Noel Azcona, baritone

Stephanie Aguilar, soprano

UST Symphony Orchestra

William Barkyhmer, conductor

The FEU Auditorium played host to two Carmens in their Cultural Calendar for the school year 2013-2014 bearing the theme of Debuts and Farewells. The first Carmen to take to the stage was prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, who danced the title role for the last time when her company Ballet Manila presented the ballet Carmen. Less than a couple of months later, Ana Feleo reprised the role of Carmen in the repeat run of the opera by the Lyric Opera of the Philippines.

The Lyric Opera of the Philippines first staged Carmen back in 2012 at the St. Cecilia’s Hall at St. Scholastica’s College, Manila. In this repeat run, Ana Feleo was joined by a mix of returning and new cast members. Reprising their roles once again were Randy Gilongo as Don Jose, and Noel Azcona as Escamillo. But this was the first time that Feleo and Gilongo were paired together for the previous run had them playing alongside different partners. Laurice Guillen once again was at the helm as the stage director. New to the cast was Stephanie Aguilar as Micaela, the UST Symphony Orchestra and conductor William Barkhymer who made his Philippine debut with this production. Completing the main cast were Gereberne Lozada (Mercedes), Patrice Pacis (Frasquita), Pepe Herrera (Dancairo), Nomher Nival (Remendado), Jun Jaranilla (Zuniga) and Greg de Leon (Morales).

This production of Carmen was stripped to the core by having almost a bare stage having only minimal props. This somewhat enabled the audience to focus solely on the performers and also to the music composed by Georges Bizet. For those who are familiar with the music of the opera, they would’ve noticed that the Avec la garde montante that was supposed to be sung by a children’s chorus during the changing of the guards in Act I was omitted in this production. This production may not have been as grand as other operas out there but one thing that they managed to have was the FEU Auditorium’s much improved acoustics. The performers were able to project their voices without the aid of microphones so they were able to focus more on acting and their characters instead of exerting too much effort in order to be heard.

I can only imagine how much of a challenge this Carmen was for conductor William Barkhymer. For one, the orchestra was placed at the back of the stage and not at the pit which is the norm for opera. It probably wasn’t very easy for him to conduct while not facing the singers who were performing on stage right behind his back. This production also didn’t have the opportunity to have a dress rehearsal since the super typhoon Yolanda led to the cancellation of the all important final rehearsals before the curtain rose.

Remarkably, the UST Symphony Orchestra was in tiptop shape, sounding a lot better compared to performances I’ve seen and heard in recent years. Members of the orchestra sacrificed their semester break in order to rehearse for up to five hours a day in preparation for this opera.

But probably the most pleasant surprise of all was the scene stealing presence of popular actress Marian Rivera who came to support her dear friend Ana Feleo. I never expected Marian to be a fan of the opera but she clearly enjoyed watching the show. She was particularly very impressed by Aguilar’s take on Micaela’s showstopping aria Je dis que rien ne m'épouvante during Act III. And in the end, she led in cheering the whole cast and production team during the curtain call.

Carmen was presented by the Lyric Opera of the Philippines and the Far Eastern University’s President’s Committee on Culture.

29th Sampung Mga Daliri, Atbp. gives tribute to Erlinda Fule

February 24, 2013, 7:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

It’s time once again for the UST Conservatory of Music’s annual Sampung Mga Daliri, Atbp. concert dubbed as Isang Pasasalamat Kay Dekana Erlinda C. Fule happening this February 24, 2013, 7:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Now on its 29th year, this annual concert will pay tribute to the late Erlinda Fule, former Dean of the UST Conservatory of Music.

The main and unique feature of the Sampung Mga Daliri, Atbp. concert is the inclusion of 10 pianos on stage with as much as 20 pianists playing in all of the numbers. The pianists in the concert are composed of members of the faculty, alumni and current students. Other performing groups based in the conservatory also join the 10 pianos in the performances. These groups are composed of the voice Faculty, UST Symphony Orchestra, UST Wind Orchestra, Coro Tomasino, Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, Rondalla Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, USTeMundo, and Chorus Classes.

The 29^th Sampung Mga Daliri, Atbp. Isang Pasasalamat Kay Dekana Erlinda C. Fule will feature the following pieces: Waltz from Faust by Charles Gounod, Patriotic Medley arranged by Phyllis Gunther, Waltz of the Flowers by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Les Toreadors by George Bizet, Ritual Fire Dance by Manuel de Falla, Les Misérables Suite arranged by Peter Paul Cifra, Jazz Improvisation by Harald Huyssen, Nabucco by Giuesppe Verdi, Waltz by Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Gangnam Style arranged by Herminigildo Ranera, and One Day More from Les Misérables by Claude-Michel Schönberg.

Ticket prices:

P1500 Orchestra Center

P1000 Orchestra Side

P800 Balcony I Center

P600 Balcony I Side

P400 Balcony II

For inquiries:

CCP Box Office at 832-1125 local 1409-1410

UST Conservatory of Music at 731-4022

TicketWorld at 891-9999

UST alumni lead tribute concert at the CCP

February 10, 2013, 7:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Lemuel dela Cruz, tenor

Eugene delos Santos, tenor

Randy Gilongo, tenor

Ronan Ferrer, tenor

Jun Francis Jaranilla, bass

Joy Allan dela Cruz, viola

UST Symphony Orchestra

Herminigildo Ranera, conductor

Programme:

Sigmund Romberg Stout-Hearted Men from New Moon

Giacomo Puccini Nessun Dorma from Turandot

Cecil Forsyth Viola Concerto in G minor

Giuseppe Verdi Overture from Nabucco

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

The UST Conservatory of Music, in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines presents a one night concert happening on February 10, 2013, 7:00 PM at the CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Classical artists who are all alumni of the University of Sto.Tomas, join the UST Symphony Orchestra led by Herminigildo Ranera in this concert entitled Tribute to the Thomasians.

The UST alumni performing in this evening are tenors Lemuel de la Cruz, Eugene de los Santos, Randy Gilongo, and Ronan Ferrer, and bass Jun Francis Jaranilla singing Stout-Hearted Men from New Moon by Sigmund Romberg and Nessun Dorma from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini. Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s viola principal, Joy Allan de la Cruz will be the featured soloist in Cecil Forsyth’s Viola Concerto in G minor. The UST Symphony Orchestra will also play Giuseppe Verdi’s Overture to Nabucco and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67.

The UST Symphony Orchestra, a resident performing group of the CCP is the official orchestra of the University of Sto. Tomas. The orchestra holds regular concerts at the CCP and participates in the CCP Outreach and Exchange program. Its members also serve as a pool for additional players as the needs of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra dictate.

Tickets:

P1000 Orchestra Center

P800 Orchestra Side

P600 Balcony I Center

P500 Balcony I Side

P350 Balcony II

For inquiries:

UST Conservatory of Music 731-4022, 406-1611 local 8246

28th Sampung Mga Daliri, Atbp.

Lech Napierała 

Sampung Mga Daliri is an annual concert presented by the University of Sto. Tomas Conservatory of Music that has been ongoing for 28 years now. The main draw for this concert has always been the 10 grand pianos on stage that are played simultaneously by 10 (sometimes even 20) pianists composed of faculty, alumni and students from UST. And more often than not, the pianists are accompanied by various music groups from the Conservatory guaranteeing a diverse and entertaining program that the general public can enjoy. This is not like most concerts at the Cultural Center of the Philippines wherein more serious and sometimes inaccessible pieces are performed. In Sampung Mga Daliri, one just needs to show up, relax and just enjoy the music.

This year’s edition offered something different through the guest appearance of Polish pianist Lech Napierała. For someone like me, his performance was the one that I was really looking forward to since I’ve yet to see a Polish pianist perform live. And since he is Polish, I expected him to play Chopin. It would be very interesting to see and hear his pieces played from that perspective. For so many years, I’ve seen and heard French pianists play Chopin. Yet, if one recalls the composer’s history, Chopin left Poland for France early one but his latter works like the Polonaises composed while he was on French soil spoke much of Polish nationalism.

I learned that Napierała only managed to squeeze a trip to Manila and subsequent appearance in this event while in the middle of an Asian tour. For a moment, it felt strange to have just one pianist amidst the many pianos on stage inside the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). He performed just two pieces by Frédéric Chopin namely Impromptu No. 2 in F sharp major, Op. 36 and Polonaise in F sharp minor, Op. 44. The pieces were contrasting enough to provide variety in this otherwise short set lasting for only 15 minutes or so. And for someone like me, this was clearly not enough. But a little of something is better than nothing at all. I do hope that he will be able to find time to perform a full concert here soon.

Lech Napierała  being interviewed

Going back to the ten grand pianos, the UST pianists and other performing groups like the UST Symphony Orchestra, Rondalla Ensemble, UST Jazz Band, UST Wind Orchestra, UST Guitar Ensemble, USTeMundo and Voice Faculty delivered a crowd pleasing repertoire ranging from the classic The Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss II, Pomp and Circumstance, March No. 1, Op. 39 by Edward Elgar to folk tunes like Katakataka and Ahay! Tuburan and jazz standards like Begin the Beguine by Cole Porter. One of the highlights and the most applauded number of the evening was the 1812 Overture, Op. 49 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This piece is famous because of the use of finale with the cannons, chimes and brass fanfare but for this performance, bass drums and tam-tams were used to play the cannon part. And at one point, a mallet from one of the drums broke and flew across the stage making it seem like an actual cannonball got fired from the cannons. This piece closed the first half of the concert and people did talk about the “cannonball” during the interval. The grand finale of this concert always featured the ten pianos with the UST Symphony Orchestra backed up with a choir made up of members from the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, Coro Tomasino and Conservatory Chorus Classes. They performed a selection of songs that included an ABBA medley that was probably influenced by the recent staging of Mamma Mia! earlier this year. Also performed during the finale was a medley of Filipino folk songs and Alleluia and Sing Unto Him from “Judas Maccabeus” by George Frideric Handel.