Month: May 2016

Liederabend: a night of singing and classical guitar music

Lieder. It’s one of my favourite musical genres. Mozart, Bach, Schubert, and Schumann music were, for me, very intersting to study and sing. And I look forward to listening these music, as delivered by this duo of the male voice and warm guitar strings.

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Ayala Museum and IPAV, Inc. in partnership with Lufthansa, Official Airline, present

Liederabend:
A Night of German Songs

An Ayala Museum GuitarNights Feature

featuring LIED DUO
Knut Schoch & Carsten Linck
June 2, 2016 |  6:30 PM | Ayala Museum Ground Floor Lobby

In the 19th century, the “golden age” of the guitar, songs with a guitar accompaniment was the most popular form of vocal music-making. Innumerable compositions for this combination – not only in German – appeared at this time, true masterpieces in a virtually inexhaustible repertoire of songs. It was only from the 1830s that this position on the “popularity scale” was increasingly assumed by the piano, and the guitar song was gradually pushed into the background.

           To this day, the wistfulness of the guitar, its sensitivity and delicacy, still reveal a very personal and rather intimate view of the songs of love, passion and death. The listener often finds these settings of poems dealing with romantic feelings or the descriptions of nature popular at the time to be more authentic, and especially in the quieter ranges, more subtle.

           The concerts given by the LIED duo (Knut Schoch and Carsten Linck), are always received with enthusiasm by their audience on account of their freshness and intensity, demonstrate the value of reviving the treasures of the guitar song genre from this period. Their usual repertoires include both original compositions from the 1800s and original arrangements of works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and Johannes Brahms.

           The duo’s captivating concert appearances, enhanced by short introductions to the works and their respective composers composers, give an unforgettable insight into rarely heard but exciting repertoires. In addition, transcriptions such as of the song cycle Die schöne Müllerin by Franz Schubert provide an opportunity to discover new perspectives to old familiar works.

           For these song recitals, Carsten Linck plays a 19th century guitar replica by Johann Georg Staufer which has a very similar sound to a fortepiano of the period. As the guitar is played standing, the player can perform in an informal narrative style, creating a very lively performance for the audience.

TO READ MORE ABOUT THE LIED DUO, CLICK HERE.

ABOUT THE CONCERT SERIES

GuitarNights is a new addition to the list of musical experiences offered by Ayala Museum and Independent Philippine Art Ventures, Inc. (IPAV), gathering some of the country’s foremost and international classical guitarists, bringing the familiar and beloved instrument to a whole new light.

TICKET PRICES AND HOW TO PURCHASE

P 700 Regular
P 560 Discounted Rate*
P 500 Senior Citizens
P 300 Students

Tickets available for sale at the Ayala Museum ticket counter, open during museum hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 AM to 6 PM.

* Discount applies to Ayala Museum Members, Ayala Rewards Circle, and AGC Employees.
 

Terms and Conditions for purchasing tickets:

Pre-event

Tickets are now available for sale at the Ayala Museum, Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati, open from Tuesday-Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM.Kindly present a valid ID to avail of applicable discounts.Cash payment is preferred.Limited seats available. In the event the maximum seating capacity is already reached, succeeding buyers will be duly informed of standing room only status and can purchase tickets at the minimum price (P 300).It is best to call 759 82 88 local 31 or 35 to get the latest update on the availability of tickets.

During concert date

Counter for unclaimed and/or unsold tickets (if any) will open on June 2, 2016. Gates will open at 5:30 PM.Ticket holders who were guaranteed seats (purchased before reaching maximum capacity status) during the sale period may sit anywhere. Please note that there are no seat assignments and that seating is first-come, first served.All tickets sold for the June 2, 2016 concert is valid only during said date.

For inquiries and reservations:
CALL: 759 82 88 local 31
EMAIL: concerts@ayalamuseum.org

The Russian Romanticism of Manila Symphony Orchestra

unnamedThe beauty of Russian Romanticism is that it’s hard to pin down. Sensuous in certain parts, exuberant in others, it is both textured and simple, intense, but controlled. To define it into a word or a phrase is a disservice to its identity and heritage; so what better way to showcase the true qualities of this genre than by attempting to breathe life into it?

On June 4, 2016, the Manila Symphony Orchestra, with acclaimed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Professor Arturo Molina, highlights the beauty of Russian Romanticism with a performance at the Power Mac Center Spotlight.

As the Manila Symphony Orchestra celebrates their 90th year, the performance ushers in the season for  #90YearsYoung—a celebration of a new decade in music that cements the country’s most revered orchestra’s legacy of Filipino musical heritage.

With Maestro Arturo Molina at the helm, they are putting the spotlight on the saxophone—a novel addition to traditional orchestral programs that speaks of the genre’s heritage and Molina’s mastery of the symphonic repertoire of the great Russian composers.

The evening will draw works from two of the five great composers of the Romantic era, namely Borodin and Mussorgsky. The pieces selected have been curated around the Glazunov Saxophone Concerto, a 15-minute piece, keeping with the themes of Russian Romanticism – colorful, passionate, and exotic.

“It’s an honor to be part of such a great milestone for the Manila Symphony Orchestra and to be able to share their genius and talent to music and theater enthusiasts around the city,” says Mel Ignacio, Ayala Land Assistant Vice President. “We look forward to seeing you at Power Mac Center Spotlight to witness this great event live.”

 

For ticket inquiries and more information, like and follow Power Mac Center Spotlight on:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PMCSpotlightOfficial

Instagram: pmcspotlight_official

Touringkittyps: When in Europe…

…do as the Europeans do! But of course, be mindful of yourself and your belongings.

So, for this edition of Touringkittyps, here are five important things you should be doing when in Europe.

Always bring your passports. Especially that you are not within the jurisdiction of your own country, it’s best to have your passports with you wherever you go.

Know your train or bus number and stop. They come in almost the same names, like in Italy, Venezia is not the same as Venezia S. Marco and Venezia Mestre. So read, listen, and be alert! Likewise, trains or undergrounds have a PA system, so make sure you know your stop and listen to the announcement in order not to miss it.

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Wien Hauptbahnhof = Vienna Central Train Station.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Almost every tourist spot can be visited by foot, so expect a lot of walking. Watch out for cobblestones, so best to wear flats or sandals than heels or stilletos. Keep your clothes light, but always bring a hooded jacket, you’ll never know when it will be cold or raining.

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Flats and sandals are the way to go.

Learn a few helpful phrases in each country. There may be instances that the locals will not converse in English, so better know how to greet Good morning/afternoon/evening, Please, Thank you, How much is this (especially when shopping for souvenirs).

Speaking of souvenirs, buy one thing that would remind you of the city/country you visited. In my case, magnets or a shirt or whatever local produce they have, like food. I also make it a point to eat local food as much as I can. So even when I would want to save and opt for McDonald’s (which is also expensive, by the way), I try to look for local food. Gelato in Venezia, Steltze in Vienna, and more.

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Gelato. The real deal.

Sent a postcard to your home. This I forgot to do during last year’s trip, but sending postcards back home is a good souvenir as well.

Take lots of photos and videos. I also take notes at the end of the day, so as not to forget what I visited. I use Google Photos to save photos online and free up phone memory space to take even more photos.

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I take photos everywhere, even in the toilet. This in Vienna, Austria, called the Opera Toilet complete with Arias playing.

Ready for the Euro trip? Buon Viaggio! Gute Flug! Happy trip.

~ Touringkitty

Touringkitty Sings and Travels: Balesin Island Club

Up until now, I still marvel at the thought that I get to do two things I love the most, even beyond marriage and motherhood–singing and traveling.

For my first working trip this year, I was off to a beautiful island called Balesin.

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Balesin is managed by Alphaland Corporation. It is a members-only resort so it was just so lucky for me and my choir team for those two days to be invited to sing for a wedding.

We sang for a Wedding Anniversary, and what was intended to be a wedding by the beach…

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Uh, oh, dark clouds and eventually heavy rain poured over the island.

Was taken inside the chapel.

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The wedding still went well, nonetheless. It was lovely, and well, white! It was the theme for the day.

After which, we spent the rest of the evening by the beach, sans rain. Beach reception!

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Moi, in a blurry selfie of the beach set up.

We rested early and took the entire morning and afternoon the next day for swimming and going around the different themed villages of the island.

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The infinity pool and the Pacific Ocean. No, it doesn't go straight down there, but yes, I was able to touch the waters of both.
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This villa was where we stayed. Blue and white, Santorini look.
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Toscana, an Italian inspired villa, where we had most of the beautiful shots taken. This one by my tenor-friend, Ervin Lumauag.
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While inside a jeep that takes us all around the island, I took this shot of St. Tropez, the French inspired villa.
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This was the Indonesian inspired villa.
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We wish we could have Tapas, but we have to head back so as not to be late for the flight. This was in Costa del Sol, the Spanish inspired villa.

We had fun going around the world in a day!

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And here’s a photo compilation of the trip. Click this link.

Looking forward to more singing trips in the near future.

~ Touringkitty

Cusina Home introduces a Natural and Safe Dishwashing Liquid

Since having a child, my main concern is cleanliness at home. Especially with dishes, because this is the most used item at home on an everyday basis.

So I only choose natural products, as much as I can, for washing my dishes. And I am very meticulous with the smell, its effectivity in cleaning, and how much it can wash.

Friends from Cusina Home dropped by the Brotzeit workshop to give samples of the product. At first look,  the products were like concentrated juices?

And they come in interesting scents:

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I have been using the Ginger Yuzu Peel and so far, I am liking it. I like it because:

1. Just one drop in the sponge and it generates enough bubbles.
2. Just have to water the sponge some more and more bubbles appear.
3. It smells oh so good!
4. It rinses easily and squeaky clean.
5. I am assured that my dishes are safe because it’s made of natural ingredients, from fruit and plant extracts.

I am one who is very particular of my dishes, especially for my little one, who is eating by herself and preparing her food by herself at times. So clean dishes equal clean food for the family.

You may purchase Cusina Dishwashing Liquid in leading supermarkets. Visit www.cusinahome.com.

Brotzeit Junior Chef@Work with Mommy Bloggers Philippines

Summer is synonymous to workshops.

This summer alone, my little learner is taking ballet, just finished swimming, and taking day workshops, like this recent one we attended in Brotzeit Shangrila Plaza.

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We were welcomed with this banner.
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Kinder Koche für den Tag! Kid Chef for the day. I miss speaking auf Deutsch!

And I missed Germany because of the overall feel of the restaurant.

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Typical German Bier Bar. They serve Bavarian Cuisine. Oh yes, Munich.

Since it’s all about brot, or bread, I assume the kids were making bread. And they did. For starters, they made Brezn, or Pretzel. I let my little one work her way by herself, they had great instructors led by Chef Ivan.

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My daughter did the entire process herself–from putting ingredients together, mixing the dough, rolling, shaping the Brezn.

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From the oven to her mouth, these Cheese Brezn or Pretzels looked and tasted good. Lekker!
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The “Graduates” with Chef Ivan. Great job, MBP kids!

The kids had loot bags from one of the sponsors, Toy Kingdom.

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Mommies had our own loot, too, from Cusina Home. Watch out my review of this product, my new household dishwashing buddy!

 

The workshop was great exercise for the kids to acquire kitchen skills. It also taught them how to focus, following instructions, reading ingredients, waiting, keeping the workstation and their hands clean when preparing food. I must say, my kid learned a lot in this short time, and applied these skills at home (we both love baking!).

You can still have your kids experience this in Brotzeit, all Saturdays of May!

17x22in_Kids Party Package Menu A5 Size_FA Path_041316

 

Vielen Dank, Brotzeit!

~ Touringkitty

 

#KoristaAko: Acapellago

Singing in harmony is second nature to Filipinos. Admittedly, when a melody is heard, we (secretly) hum a second voice into it.

And with the advent of a cappella singing in movies and TV (think Glee and Pitch Perfect), and competitions like Akapela Open, more Filipinos are getting hooked in a cappella music. Which positively translates to more a cappella singers and choristers (happy dance there!).

A product of Akapela Open is our featured koristas for this month. Acapellago (see the play name between a cappella and archipelago? Cool, right?) is an award-winning ensemble of five singers who does covers of popular songs in a cappella fashion. They have competed and won locally (beginning with a local town competition and then in Akapela Open) and internationally, getting the top prize in the A Cappella Championships in Singapore just last year. Because of this accolade, they were awarded an Ani ng Dangal, given by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

They started their vocal group in school, with members of the Bulacan State University Saring Himig Chorale in 2012. Currently, the group is made up of singers from different schools who are also koristas. The group continues to create, arrange and perform new music, to inspire many young artist in contemporary a cappella singing and contribute to Philippines music and performing arts heritage.

Visit their Facebook Page! Click the photo.
Visit their Facebook Page! Click the photo.

Let’s get to know each of them.

Ron Laderas is a choir conductor, arranger and singer. He had sung for the following choirs: Hagonoy United Methodist Church (UMC) , Bulacan State University Saring Himig, and Obando UMC. He sings Bass in the group, and takes inspiration from a cappella groups like TAKE 6, Swingles Singers, Kings Singers, The Filharmonic (a Fil-Am group who guested in the Pitch Perfect movie), Rajaton, Pentatonix, Home Free, The Real Group, and our very own The Company. Likewise from the following musicians (composers, conductors, and arrangers) Lucio San Pedro, Mark Carpio, Eudy Palaruan, Chris Borela (who currently conducts Bulacan State University Saring Himig), Ily Maniano, Eric Whitacre, Deke Sharon and Ben Bram. He thinks that a cappella music is popular in this generation, and that the community is getting bigger.

Bogart Laderas is the beatboxer of the group. He is Ron’s brother, who along with him are pioneers of the group. He started with the school choir in Bulacan and is also a Dubbing Talent. He joined the choir because music is his passion, and his ticket to studying as a scholar (some schools do offer scholarships, whether partial or full, to choir members, another korista perk!). His most unforgettable moment was to sing Heal the World with The Philippine Madrigal Singers. He likes a cappella music because of the fact that “you have no choice but to squeeze your imagination on how will it sound full because voice and imagination are your only instruments.”

Almond Pondevida Bolante started his choral journey in high school with the Ramon Magsaysay Glee Club, then in college with the Our Lady Of Fatima University Chorale. He used to train with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and he says he’s a big fan of the group. The reason he joined a choir is “for me to know how to blend with other people because for me, as a singer, you have to know how to harmonize for you to practice not just your voice but your ears.” He enjoys touring and singing with a choir because he gets to know different people and different cultures, at the same time, share your own culture to them.

Joshua Cadeliña studies music and is a recording artist and dubbing talent. He has joined the Ars Noveau Chorale and Novo Concertante Manila (another award-winning church-based choral group) prior joining Acapellago. He sings tenor and is a trained classical singer. He recalls his most unforgettable choir moment with the Novo Concertante Manila, “It is my first time to travel abroad and to compete internationally (Novo had its European Tour in 2014). Gladly, Novo won the Grand Prix in Poland.” For him, a cappella music “requires sensitivity to each other. It is one of the hardest things to do in a cappella singing but I find it really interesting.”

The only belle of the group is Michelle Corpuz Pascual. She started singing with the choir as member of NAMCYA prizewinning choirs from the north, Samiweng Singers, Ilocos Norte National High School Youth Choir, and Laoag City Children’s Choir. She also trains with the Philippine Madrigal Singers. She believes that joining a choir would improve her singing and widen her knowledge on music. She also thinks Contemporary A Cappella has its own uniqueness.

These choristers also take part in the Sing Philippines Youth Choir, a project of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Michelle and Almond joined its maiden batch in 2014, while Joshua and Ron will be part of the second batch who will also be the laboratory choir of the Conductors’ Workshop component of the Hands-On Choral Workshop this June at the CCP (by the way, I will be one of the trainors again, looking forward to teaching again!).

Of course, I made them answer why they are certified koristas:

#KoristaAko dahil naniniwala ako na dun ako nilagay ni Lord. Destiny kumbaga. – Michelle

#KoristaAko dahil ako ay alagad ng musika at mahal ko hindi lang ang choral music, at a cappella music kundi pati narin ang lahat ng bumubuo ng musikang Pilipino. #KoristaAko dahil proud ako na isa ako sa mga bumubuhay sa musikang pilipino. – Almond

#koristaAko dahil minahal ko na ng sobra ang pag-awit at ang choral world. Mahirap man ang pagiging full time musician sa bansa, pinili ko pa rin ito dahil dito ako masaya, tulad ng nararansan ng iba. – Ron Laderas

 

Do watch out for their upcoming events, concerts, more cover songs, and a Digital EP coming out soon. Follow them on Facebook and Youtube for the newest events of the group.

Gratitude to Acapellago and their manager, Riva Ferrer of the Philippine Madrigal Singers for this feature. To close, here’s their newest cover, Dulo, by Thyro and Yumi, the duo behind the current hits popularised through the Philpop Music Festival, as sung by Sarah Geronimo, in a cappella.