Category: Music

OperaJuan ends 2021 Season with Two-part duo concert

Following the success of its 2021 opener, “At The Movies”, OperaJuan
closes its fourth performance season with yet another special online
concert in collaboration with the Manila Pianos Artist Series: The two-part
duo recital entitled, “Seeing Double”, will feature beloved solos and duets
of the classical and musical theatre genres.

Its first act, “Neri x Michael”, is a presentation of some of the most
enthralling art songs in the world of classical vocal music and will be shared
by soprano and tenor duo, Nerissa De Juan and Michael Del Rosario. The
performance will showcase the perennial compositions of Mendelssohn,
Bellini, Elgar, Boulanger, Hahn, Quilter, and more.

Formally closing this back-to-back song recital is the tenor and baritone
tandem of Nathan Josiah Sasing and Renz Nathaniel Cruz in “Nathan x
Nathan”. Highlighted in the show’s second installment are captivating
musical theatre works of the modern era written by acclaimed songwriters
Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, Stephen Schwartz, Alan Menken, Stephen
Flaherty & Lynn Ahrens, Marvin Hamlisch, and more.

This exciting event is spearheaded by Manila Pianos Artist Series’ Director,
Richard Sy-Facunda, and OperaJuan’s Artistic Director, Renz Nathaniel
Cruz. Nerissa De Juan and Aindrielle Madelo serves as the show’s
production managers, while Reynaldo “Raki” Gendrano takes on the role of
pianist and music director.

“Seeing Double I: Neri x Michael” will premiere on November 14, 2021,
Sunday, 8pm, while “Seeing Double II: Nathan x Nathan” will premiere on
November 21, 2021, Sunday, 8pm. Both shows will be streamed for free on
YouTube.

Follow the official social media accounts of OperaJuan and the Manila
Pianos Artist Series for more updates:

OperaJuan’s FB: www.facebook.com/OperaJuan
OperaJuan’s IG: @operajuan
Manila Pianos Artist Series’ FB: www.facebook.com/ManilaPianosArtistSeries

Vuelo 2018 Music: Juan 14 (Mary Katherine Trangco)

Programming music. One of the most difficult yet the most basic block in any choral group.

As a chorister, I get excited with what’s going to be the repertoire for a certain concert I sing in or watch. Always interesting to know the hows and why of putting a set of songs together.

For the recent trip I was part of, the repertoire was unique yet sophisticated. Simple yet complex. Challenging yet exciting.

The Ateneo Chamber Singers specializes in sacred music. Most of their concerts in the past would consist all-sacred repertoire. For this particular tour, we sang a good mix of songs from all over the world and of different genres and eras. Secular and sacred music were included, and for the Canta al mar competition in Calella, Spain, we participated and won in the Musica Sacra category, wherein our repertoire included two out of three Filipino compositions.

Winners in Musica Sacra and Mixed Chamber Categories at the 7th Canta al mar competition in Calella, Spain.

This is one, a setting of John 14:6. And this piece spoke to me strongly.

The first time I saw this piece, I just saw the text AKO in the first couple of pages. And when I skipped on the last page, that’s when I saw the complete text of the Bible verse in Filipino. That’s when I had tremendous goosebumps immediately.

John 14:6 is “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” In Filipino, “Ako ang Daan, ang Katotohanan, at ang Buhay.”

Which is where the name of the Shrine of Jesus was taken from. Which is the verse that I always carry to mind and heart, in good times and bad.

It seemed to be a difficult piece, as the assistant conductor of the choir was dissecting a certain part of it. She, by the way, is the composer of the piece.

But each rehearsal proved to be better than the previous one, as we singers, with our conductor, witnessed how the piece blossomed into each one of us, how the seemingly difficult and impossible proved to be one of our strongest pieces.

And what’s even surprising (at least for me), I was assigned to do the short solo part, during a rehearsal I was not able to attend.

Here is Juan 14 by Mary Katherine Trangco. Video courtesy of the Tolosa Choral Contest Youtube Channel. We sang this as well for the Tolosa competition; three out of seven songs were Filipino works. The entire repertoire of the participating choirs can be found in that youtube channel, too.

It’s as if the Lord spoke to me, to cast all my doubts away, and entrust everything to Him, because all I need to do is to seek Him first.

Be blessed, be a blessing!

~ Touringkitty

Touringkitty music: Ave Maria by Caccini

So happy to be back on track! This year started with my well-received performance as Sisa in Noli Me Tangere the Opera (read a review of my performance here). Recently, I had several singing engagements as a soloist. #goals for a soprano mom like me.

Here is one of those performances, which I really truly treasure. And made me rediscover my “hidden” love for Charlotte Church. Yup, the once child soprano who sings Pie Jesu and that car anthem, and is now doing pop (wah, can’t relate to her music anymore, but I can relate that she’s a mum–a homeschooling mum like me, that is!) and she’s kind of a political activist of late.

One of Church’s repertoire, Ave Maria (which I lately found out was wrongly attributed to Caccini–it was by a Russian composer), and here performed with a ten-piece chamber ensemble of one of my favourite groups, the Manila String Machine, here is a live and raw recording which I posted in time for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord last March 25th.

Contact me to know more about my music.

Korean Baritone sings Schubert’s Winterreise in debut recital

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“Winterreise”

In 1827, Franz Schubert produced his song cycle “Winterreise” based on Wilhelm Mullers poems from “The Posthumous Papers of a Travelling Hornplayer”. Winterreise is a perfect vehicle of musical expression for the male voice and piano, but the scope of its complexity elevates it to the level of a musical drama; in it, a young man, despondent over a spurned love, is forced to travel alone on foot through the bleak wintry landscape.

And thus begins the chilling journey of the lovelorn wanderer as he braves the cold night, narrating his plight in song after song.

Witness the artistry of eminent international Baritone, Park Byeong In (In his Philippine debut solo recital) and distinguished Pianist Najib Mabaning Ismail as they take you to the winter journey of Winterriese.

Adding to the visceral drama and emotional impact of their presentation that will feature staging crafted by noted Manila Director, Jaime Del Mundo and the lighting will be a product of award winning Lighting designer, John Batalla. Also appearing on stage in her first non-speaking/non-singing role is our baritone’s spouse, soprano Rachelle Gerodias-Park, as the Lover/Maiden thus accenting the allure of the production.

Part of the proceeds of the concert will go to the Rachelle Gerodias Music Foundation Inc., a foundation giving scholarships to talented church musicians who cannot afford a formal music education.

Tickets are now available at all Ticketworld outlets and the CCP Box Office. Please call Ticketworld: 02-8919999 and CCP Box Office: 02-8323704

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

Judicael Perroy in Manila: From Bach to Villa-Lobos

perroy

 

Another great guitarist is coming to town: Judicael Perroy will have a concert on November 12 at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium, UP College of Music in Diliman, Quezon City. See more details below.

The Independent Philippine Art Ventures (IPAV) and Alliance Français de Manille (AFM) present an outstanding French guitarist in a concert at 7pm on November 12, Abelardo Hall, UP College of Music in Diliman, Quezon City.

Perroy is one of the most sought-after classical guitarists on the world stage. He has had rave reviews not only as a concertist but as an inspiring teacher as well. His students have also won prestigious international awards.

To open the concert on November 12, are outstanding and multi-awarded Filipino guitarists Roneil Santos and Aaron Aguila.

Perroy will also hold a master class for the country’s most promising young guitarists to teach them theory and technique in one-on-one sessions.

IPav was founded by classical guitarists and enthusiasts and has formed a solid alliance with AFM to promote classical music in the Philippines.

Concert tickets are at 1,000php (Patron), 500php (Regular) and 250php (Student). Tickets are available at TicketWorld, AFM and IPAV.

Inquiries regarding masterclasses and ticket reservation may also be addressed to ipavinc@gmail.com.

Know more about the artist:

Follow Perroy on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/judicael.perroy

Check his website: http://www.judicael-perroy.com/

Know more about Perroy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COxR2V6MGvA

Listen to his music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a_VlVvL_b8

Touringkittyps: Three unique (and meaningful) Halloween events for your kids

Real talk. I am not that keen in celebrating Halloween, even now that I have a kid. Besides, isn’t it that Halloween celebrations here in the country started just in the past decade?

As kids, our Halloween–make that All Souls Day– celebrations include the traditional viewing of a special “Magandang Gabi Bayan” episode on a Saturday night, either in our home or on one of our cousins or friends in the same compound. We’d scare each other out with the stories in the show, or literally playing “mumu,” or ghosts complete with blankets as makeshift costumes and flashlights as props. We’re happy crazy with that.

And now, so many Halloween events have sprouted, and even establishments are garbed up in orange/black Halloween fashion. Let’s celebrate it, with meaning and purpose! Here are three unique and meaningful events where you can take your children to.

1. Celebrate with orchestral music

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Our favourite orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra with its conductor, Maestro Olivier Ochanine, will have a special performance with…volcanoes?! “Tricks and Musical Treats, A PPO Family Concert” will feature a musical storytelling of Flowanda, the explorer of the land of Volcano Milava at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) at 4:00 PM. There will be pre-concert activities starting at 2:30 PM which include a musical instruments petting zoo wherein children can experience playing different orchestral instruments assisted by the members of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. There will also be trick or treat and lobby activities. The children are encouraged to come in their costumes.

This is a good way to introduce orchestral music to our children, and children at heart. Not only that, watching this concert also shows your support for our local artists, music, culture and arts.

For more information, please call the CCP Marketing Department at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

2. Celebrate with saints

Halloween is the eve of All Saints, which is the first day of Allhallowtide, the third day being All Souls’ Day (November 2nd). In the previous years, we get to celebrate this with a homeschooling group, called Rockers Philippines. Last year, Aria came in as St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians.

Aria as St. Cecilia. With some of the Rockers Kids at St. Rita de Cascia church in Philam Homes.
Aria as St. Cecilia. With some of the Rockers Kids at St. Rita de Cascia church in Philam Homes.

Christ the King Parish in Greenmeadows will have their Kingdom of Heaven Fair on October 31. Visit their Facebook page for more details.

 

3. Celebrate as a superhero


Trick or treat for a cause! UNICEF is calling on all superheroes to raise funds for children in need. Visit any Toy Kingdom branch to get your Trick or treat kit, or UNICEF Philippines website for details.

Take your pick, or do all three! And celebrate a unique and meaningful Halloween with your family.

Looking for more activities? While it might seem dangerous skating is a great activity for kids, check out Skate Hq’s “kids hockey gear” to learn more.

 

~ Touringkitty

Touringkitty music: Angel of God

Today, October 2nd, is the Solemnity of the Guardian Angels.

Ariadne loves to pray to her Guardian Angel. The Prayer to the Guardian Angel is the first prayer she learned and memorised since she was about two or three years old.

Ariadne acted as an angel during our church's Palm Sunday Mass for this year's Holy Week.
Ariadne acted as an angel during our church’s Palm Sunday Mass for this year’s Holy Week.

It goes like this:

Angel of God, my Guardian dear,

to whom His love commits me here,

ever this day (or night) be at my side,

to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

 

Source: Catholic Online

 

One night, when my daughter was around three, and praying this before we slept, a melody entered my head. I put the words into that melody, and sang that to my daughter since. Now she’s memorised the melody by heart, and here we are ready to share this wonderful prayer-song with you.

This is a non-pro recording, which we did last Monday, September 29, Solemnity of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Rafael.

Be blessed, be a blessing!

~ Touringkitty

CONCERT: Ang Soap Opera ng Buhay Ko: Voices of Healing

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One night featuring top artists in the music industry, performing for a noble cause. What more can you ask for?

Choral groups will take part as well. The Ateneo Chamber Singers (where my husband sings currently), the UP MedChoir, and Mass Appeal, along with other solo artists and performers, and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, will join forces for the UP College of Medicine Academic Center.

Hope you could support this concert! Full details below.

The University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Fund, Inc. (UPMAF) will hold a concert called “Ang SOAP Opera ng Buhay Ko” (The Concert: Voices of Healing) at the new Marriott Grand Ballroom on August 26, 2015 to raise funds to create the New UP College of Medicine Academic Center,  a 7-story multi-million peso undertaking.

The dinner concert will feature several of the biggest names in the international and local concert scene, including the 50-piece ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga, this special night will bring together Lea Salonga, Ryan Cayabyab, Jed Madela, Vice Ganda, Mark Bautista, Cris Villonco, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Bituin Escalante, Pinky Marquez, Franco Laurel, The Tux, Caisa Borromeo, Baihana, Catherine Fisher, among others, as they join the community in a collective voice of healing. A 70-strong chorus composed of The Mass Appeal, Ateneo Chamber Singers and UP Medicine Choir will also fill the grandiose ballroom.

This will be Lea Salonga’s last concert before she flies to New York to star in a show called “Allegiance,”  which previews in Broadway on October 20!

For ticket and sponsorship inquiries please contact, Dr. Melfred L. Hernandez (0917) 815-2029), Overall Chair, Dr. Karin Estepa (0922) 825-3146, Chair, Business Committee, or Ms Kareen Tapia (0923) 8568043 of UPMAF (02) 5264255, upmaf.secretariat@gmail.com.

#KoristaAko: Mcoy Fundales

Choristories (2)

Welcome to another edition of #KoristaAko! This is a special edition, because we have a real star from a different side of the music spectrum–rock music. Yes, friends, you’ve read it right. No less than Mcoy Fundales of the Pinoy Ako/PBB/Orange and Lemons/Kenyo fame started as a korista. And just recently, he revisited his choral singing experience on a European concert tour.

Musikerong Daddy ng PBB. Photo: www.pep.ph

In Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition, he was known as “Musikerong Daddy” who hails from Bulacan. His former band, Orange and Lemons, were behind the success of Pinoy Ako, PBB’s theme song. I got the chance to really get to know Kuya Mcoy during our rehearsals and our trip for the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc., where we were both invited to sing and tour Europe with last June. I got to know how really talented he is (he doesn’t read notes, but has a very good ear in music). He’s singing tenor. The fact that we were only ten, and they were only two tenors in the group, is testament to how he did well as chorister. Not only that, we encountered a funny, positive, and very humble rockstar dad especially during the trip. He doesn’t look like he has a college graduate for a daughter already (yes, he has, and he looks and is very young, in fact). It was a blessing to know him personally.

In one of our performances, Vienna, Austria.

He graciously agreed to appear in this month’s #KoristaAko, and here’s what he had to share:

Name: Marco “Mcoy” Fundales

Current profession: School owner/president (Young Achievers Montessori School), Vocalist/songwriter KENYO (formerly known as Orange and Lemons), TV and movie writer (he’s part of the Creative Team of Pepito Manaloto on GMA7).

Choirs joined (and years if possible): Mariano Ponce High School Choir and San Agustin Parish Choir (both in Baliwag, 1992-1994).

Why did you join the choir? What was that something or someone that influenced you? : I’ve always been fascinated with the marriage of voices, choir music takes me to another level of consciousness every time I listen to it. I’ve often wondered what it takes to form a group and what happens behind the scenes in order to create harmony among members (literally and relationship wise)

What is your favourite song arranged or composed for choir and why?: Ato del Rosario’s take and arrangement on the traditional Pasyon Senakulo. It’s so pretty, you’d want to sing it throughout the year if possible. We brought this work to Europe, and is one of my favourites, too. –> see a portion of the work here

What was the hardest piece you’ve studied? ANAK (Robert Delgado’s) –> this one we studied for the trip, and it was indeed hard!

Any choir/s or vocal ensembles you look up to and why?: Philippine Madrigal Singers! They are always a treat and an experience to listen to! I’m also a fan of The Company. The members are even great people off stage. Great friends. They took OPM to a higher level because of their work.

What is your most unforgettable choral moment?: To sing with a choir in a European cultural mission/tour after almost 2 decades of hiatus from choral singing.

#KoristaAko dahil: Dito ako nagsimula bago ako pinalad sa larangan ng pagbabanda. Hindi mawawala ang pagmamahal ko sa musika ng isang koro tulad ng pagmamahal ko sa iba pang anyo at sining ng musika.   Thank you for your wonderful answers, Kuya Mcoy! And thank you for inspiring us to sing in a choir, too.

With the rockstar and certified korista, Mcoy Fundales!
With the rockstar and certified korista, Mcoy Fundales!

To end, here’s our performance of his hit song, Pinoy Ako. So now you probably know why and how starstruck I am during this trip. No less than its singer performing his own song with you, in a choir. Such a rare privilege!

#KoristaAko is powered by Touringkitty. Tune in for the latest post every last Wednesday of the month. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.