Tag: opera


Jan
2017

Noli Me Tangere the Opera marks 60th year at CCP

categories: Career, Concerts, Opera, Press Releases

Ten Days. Yes, we’re counting ten more days before the Opening Gala Night!

Mixed emotions, just like Sisa, whose character I am playing, is what I feel, now that we’re stepping in the ten-day mark of the show.

But more than that, it is the hard work and love, above all, that everyone has put in, is what and will be the driving force of this production.

Do watch Noli, if you remember this from high school. Watch it even more if you have forgotten it. Bring in your children, your families, and appreciate the poetry, the music, the set design (really excited to see this!), the teachings.

I will be playing Sisa on January 29 2pm and February 2 8pm. See full Press Release of the opera below, as well as contact details for tickets.

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PRESS RELEASE
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and J&S Productions Inc. announce the full cast and creative team for the 60th-anniversary production of the Philippines’ first full-length opera, Noli Me Tangere, an opera by National Artists Felipe de Leon and Guillermo Tolentino, directed by Jerry Sibal, featuring the the newly formed 53-piece Noli Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.
Renowned tenor Ronan Ferrer in the role of Crisostomo Ibarra will the lead the cast, together with Bianca Camille Lopez (Maria Clara), Stephanie Anne Aguilar (Sisa), John-Andrew Fernandez (Padre Damaso), Greg de Leon (Elias), Mari Yapjoco (Basilio), and Santino Juan Santiago (Crispin).

Based on Dr. Jose Rizal’s 1887 classic novel of the same name, Noli Me Tangere, The Opera, premiered at the Far Eastern University in 1957 and made its CCP debut in 1974. This production, which recently had critically-acclaimed engagements in New York, Washington D.C., and at the Resorts World Manila, will feature more than 200 opera singers, musicians, and crew, 16 scene changes, a brand-new staging, and new sets and costumes.

Noli Me Tangere, The Opera follows the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who returns to the Philippines after pursuing scholarly studies in Europe. He plans to open up a school and marry Maria Clara, his betrothed. However, parish priest Padre Damaso, the archenemy of the Ibarras, is out to hinder Crisostomo’s plans, which creates a dramatic storyline of forbidden love, betrayal, and revenge.

Both the novel and the opera depict the abuses suffered by the native Indios at the hands of Spanish tyrants. Both forms also paint a clear picture of the so-called “social cancer” such as the rotten system of governance, the illicit ways of the church, and the unfavorable trade of the privileged class, which is still very much relevant today.

The cast also includes Nomer Narito Nival, Aretha Angcao, Jade Rubis Riccio, Nerissa de Juan, Mary Louise Alcantara, Irene Quiso-Ednave, Charina Althea Balmores, Rachelle Jasmine Balunes, Elisanta Gregorio Cortes, Mecho Joy Manlangit, Thea Perez, Katrine Jamar Sunga, Jillbert Chua, Jan Briane Astom, Eugene de los Santos, Erwin Dimaculangan, Harold Nikko Forton, Paul Dominique Galvez, Allison Rose Cervantes, Anne Abigail Garza, Jane Florence Wee, Ruzzel Adrian Clemeno, Renz Nathaniel Cruz, Radnel Ofalsa, Octwen Jade Cabilan, Rare Jireh Columna, Ivette Vanerrie Salas, Courtney Gomley, Marianne Maxielom, Claudine Nitura, Grace Pedrocillo. Larian Villamarin, Francisco de Guzman Jr., Nestor Estoque, Thomas Julian Hollon, Matthew Vallo, Earl Cristobal, Mark Anthony Cruz, Frederick Maturan, and Inno Angelo Montellano.

 

 

Besides musical director Ranera and stage director Sibal, who is also designing the new sets and costumes, the production’s creative team also includes assistant director Jose Jeffrey Camanag, sound designer Edwin Mendiola, and lighting designer John Batalla.

For special ticket deals and discounts to the 60th-anniversary production of Noli Me Tangere, The Opera, contact J&S Productions Inc. (0926) 038 0548, (0921) 890 3816, (632) 998 2356, or the CCP Box Office (632) 832 3704/06, or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Media partners include Business Mirror, Jamtrx Multi-Media Productions, Manila Broadcasting Company, WhenInManila.com, and ProShift Media.

For more information, visit NoliMeTangereTheOpera.com or Facebook.com/NoliOperaManila.

Date & Time: January 28 and February 1-3, 2017 at 8 p.m. | January 29 and February 3, 2017 at 2 p.m.

Venue: Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Tickets: P3,500 | P2,500 | P2,000 | P1,500 | P1,200 | P1,000

Ticket Outlets: J&S Productions Inc. (0926) 038 0548, (0921) 890 3816, (632) 998 2356, or the CCP Box Office (632) 832 3704/06 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

#NoliOpera60th


Mar
2015

The Nelly Miricioiu experience: Prelude

categories: Art and Culture, Career, Music, Opera, Uncategorized

Excitement, trepidation, humbled. These three feelings rule over me right now, maybe until after all of this is done.

Who would have thought that I would be part of this?

Super excited to sing for Nelly Miricioiu!
Yep, that’s my (full) name right there!

BUT, before that, is her much-awaited one-night only Manila concert, which I hope you could all watch, too.

Now, on to the lowdown of how and why I felt this way, and how this whole experience will impact my career.

Excitement.

When I got the news of Nelly Miricioiu’s arrival in Manila sometime last year, it got me so excited, as I know another great international soprano is singing in Manila. I felt  the same way when Sumi Jo had her one-night concert early last year. Back then, I didn’t even know if there will be a masterclass or none, though I was really wishing there will be, and said to myself that I will try to join just in case there will be a call for one. I was eventually surprised that there will be one, and found out it was a competitive masterclass as one would have to submit a video and our profile. So I did, and prayed for a positive outcome.

When 2015 ushered in, I was greeted with the good news of my acceptance to the masterclass. And not just a one-day masterclass, it’s three days! AND not only that, there will be culminating performances of not one, but two concerts!

Which leads to the next feeling.

Trepidation.

And of course, as all sorts of bubble thoughts run in my head. But the more I think about trepidation, the more I am determined to do my best.

Upon knowing the result of the auditions, the organizing group gathered us for a meeting to discuss about our pieces for the masterclass. Those with me are the active young classical singers in Manila.

Questions run in my thoughts. What was I doing there? Given that I have not been singing actively lately (my last was Rusalka), is my voice prepared? Will I be able to pull through my chosen pieces? The questions led me to the next feeling.

Humbled.

The masterclass is an opportunity for me to come back to the craft I really want to pursue. With the many hats I have worn the past five years, I know I will still go back to singing. I asked my mentor in college, Prof. Bechie Valeña, to have a session with her, just so I could have another ear listening while preparing for the masterclass. My teacher is one of the persons who kept pushing my spirits up especially when I somewhat forget that I trained as a classical singer. She told me my voice is (still) there, and that I should keep on singing.

What’s even humbling is that the masterclasses were given to us as a scholarship, thanks to the generous sponsors. That is why we really encourage you to support Ms. Miricioiu’s concert on March 6, to further the cause of supporting local classical artists.

I should focus on this gift that God so generously gave me (I only had voice lessons in college, but have been playing the piano since I was four).

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It’s only days before the Masterclass. Madame Nelly has arrived in Manila the other day to prepare for her concert on Friday. Which makes me all the more excited (and nervous!). I am looking forward to watch her on Friday, to sing and learn from Ms. Nelly and the other singers on the Masterclass sessions, and to the culminating concert in the next two weekends. Yes, it’s such a blessing that we get to present what we will be learning from the Masterclass:

Hope you could watch our performances, too!
Hope you could watch our performances, too!

 

I hope you could also join us and complete the Nelly Miricioiu experience!

 

Nelly Miricioiu in concert
March 6, 2015, Friday, 8:00 PM, Meralco Theater
For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or CAEO at 997-9483, 7827164, 0918-347-3027 or 0920-954-0053. Limited discounted tickets for students available via CAEO. You may also purchase online through Ticketworld at this link: https://www.ticketworld.com.ph/Online/NellyMiricioiu.

Nelly Miricioiu Voice Masterclass
March 9-11, 2015, 11:00AM-6:00PM
Ayala Museum, Makati
Free Admission (you may drop by anytime to observe)

Opera Gala
March 14 and 21, 2015, 7:00 PM
Ayala Museum, Makati
For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or CAEO at 997-9483, 7827164, 0918-347-3027 or 0920-954-0053.

 


Sep
2014

Touringkitty Sings: Rusalka, The Little Mermaid operafied + GIVEAWAY!

categories: Career, Music, Opera

UPDATE: Join the Rusalka Raffle and get to watch on September 11 at the CCP! Details at the end of this post.

We were Disney children, my sister and I. Grew up singing to Disney songs and exchanging dialogues. No wonder, my child does the same. Only, it is Frozen in her generation.

One such Disney cartoon we both loved, and well, my sister loves forever, would be The Little Mermaid. She probably memorized the entire movie, and had her hair colored red. Yes, that’s how much she loves being Ariel.

Anyways, the Little Mermaid, written by Hans Christian Andersen, was also adapted for opera, more than half a century after, by Antonin Dvořák. Dvořák is a Czech composer who is known for his symphonies, the most popular being The New World Symphony. Astronaut Neil Armstrong took a recording of this work to the first landing to the Moon during the infamous Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

Rusalka, meanwhile, is his famous opera, which is still being actively performed today. Some elements of the Little Mermaid were used in this work.

Who isn’t familiar with this beautiful aria from Rusalka? In “Song to the Moon” (“Měsíčku na nebi hlubokém”), Rusalka asks the Moon to tell the Prince of her love.

Finally, Rusalka will be fully staged here, and yes, I will be part of its Philippine Premiere!

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This will also be the first production in which the cast consists of students and alumni from different music schools in Metro Manila. We’re in the thick of rehearsals as of the moment, and we are all really excited for this. Follow me on Instagram (@touringkitty) as I post some photos of rehearsals.

I will be playing First Wood Sprite for the September 11 and 23 shows. See details of the shows below:

Antonín Dvořák’s
“RUSALKA: A Lyric Fairy Tale Opera”
A Philippine Premiere

“RUSALKA” is a love story between a water nymph and a human. See how the two lovers conquered challenges, how characters from different worlds communicate, and how Dvorak intertwined through his music the mystic of Rusalka.. The opera will have a Filipino setting and will have runs at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the University of the Philippines.

STAGE DIRECTOR Alegria O. Ferrer
SCENOGRAPHER Danilo S. Sylvestre
CONDUCTOR Josefino Chino Toledo
ORCHESTRA Grupo 20/21

Cast list here: http://music.upd.edu.ph/rusalka_opera.html

Cultural Center of the Philippines – Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP Complex, Pasay City
September 11 (Thur), 2014 // 7:30 PM
September 12 (Fri), 2014 // 7:30 PM
Tickets P600 and available through Ticketworld. 891-9999. Online tickets here: bit.ly/RusalkaPHCCP

UP College of Music – Abelardo Hall Auditorium, UP Diliman, Quezon City
September 23 (Tue), 2014 // 6:30 PM
September 24 (Wed), 2014 // 6:30 PM
Tickets P500 and available through the College of Music at 929-6963.

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Want to watch Rusalka on September 11 at the CCP? Join the Rusalka Raffle! Draw will be on Thursday, September 11, 9:00AM. Thanks to the RusalkaPhil2014 team for sponsoring this raffle!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Sep
2014

PRESS RELEASE: Dvorak’s Rusalka (Philippine Premiere) on September

categories: Concerts, Music, Opera, Press Releases

Post by Rusalka: a Lyric Fairy Tale Opera – Philippine Premiere.

The University of the Philippines College of Music will bring to life Antonin Dvorak’s heart-rending lyric fairy tale opera, Rusalka on September 11 and 12, 7:30 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino in Pasay City, and on September 23 and 24, 6:30 PM at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium, University of the Philippines College of Music in Quezon City. This production is directed by Alegria Ferrer with set and lighting designs by Dan Silvestre and David Ohm. The production will also feature Grupo 20/21, a chamber orchestra conducted by Josefino Chino Toledo.

In the cast are brilliant young Filipino sopranos Fame Flores and Bianca Camille Lopez, who will alternate in characterizing the difficult main role of a water sprite (serena) named Rusalka who aspires to love a human being but, in the process, was rejected and who, therefore, learnt the hazards of loving a fleshly creature that a human being is.

Rusalka’s Philippine premiere will be adapted to a Filipino setting, particularly to the time of Isabelo de los Reyes (1864-1938), whose contribution to knowledge of Philippine folklore is pioneering. An ilustrado intellectual of late 19th to early 20th centuries, de los Reyes documented narratives of living Philippine folk beliefs and practices of his time in order to build an archive of Philippine culture so as to understand the uniqueness of Philippine society in relation to universal truth and science.

The love that Rusalka learns in dealing with a human being in this fairy tale opera, though originating far from the Philippines, is one such truth and Isabelo de los Reyes would have easily understood its universal message. In homage to him as a cosmopolitan Filipino nationalist who is celebrating his 150th birth centenary this year, UP College of Music juxtaposes, without translating, the original music of this opera that will be sung in English with characters whose names are familiar to Filipinos such as the spirits of the environment.

Tickets at P600 each for the CCP shows and P500 each for UP are now on sale, with discounts offered to currently enrolled students. Tickets are available at all TICKETWORLD outlets and online at bit.ly/RusalkaPHCCP. For further details, please call UP College of Music at 926-0026 or 929-6963 or through UP trunkline at 981-8500 local 2639.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/UPCollegeofmusic or twitter.com/UPCMu2014;
Like the Rusalka Page at https://www.facebook.com/Rusalka.Opera.Philippines or tweet with #RusalkaPhil2014.