IS OPERA BORING? PROGETTO PUCCINI IS HERE TO BREAK THAT STEREOTYPE
Despite its rich history, opera often faces misconceptions. Many perceive it as boring, largely due to the language barrier, as most operas are performed in Italian, German or French. The length of operas can also be daunting for audiences accustomed to bite-sized content
Italian Ambassador Davide Giglio, CCP president Kaye Tinga and CCP board of trustees chair Jaime Laya.
Photographs by stephanie mayo for the daily tribune
Opera often gets a bad rap as an outdated art form. Yet this 16th-century Italian invention — a fusion of theater and music — remains popular, with compositions frequently used in commercials (think Beyoncé’s 2009 Pepsi ad inspired by Georges Bizet’s Carmen) and Hollywood soundtracks.
Another notable example is “Flower Duet” from Léo Delibes’ Lakmé. This iconic piece has graced films, such as The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and the classic 1984 British Airways ad.
Let’s not forget Giacomo Puccini, the Italian maestro whose compositions have featured in acclaimed films like The Shawshank Redemption (1994) and The Godfather III (1990). Luxury brands also frequently turn to Puccini’s music in their ads for its elegance and sophistication.
CCP and NCAA executives include Alex Cortez, Monino Duque, Junie Del Mundo, Camille Lopez, Margie Moran, Jonathan Velasco, Jaime Laya, Kaye Tinga, Oliver Salonga, Myramae Meneses, Irene Marcos-Araneta, Anna Migallos and Roby Malubay.
Italian and Philippine collaboration
Now, enter Progetto Puccini (Project Puccini). Launched just last Wednesday at the National Museum of Fine Arts, this initiative aims to energize the local opera scene. From 1 to 5 October, the project will kick off a series of masterclasses designed to nurture Filipino opera talent, honor Puccini’s legacy and inspire a new wave of opera enthusiasts. The project will culminate in a free recital on 5 October at The Metropolitan Theater, making it an accessible event for all.
Puccini — a collaboration involving cultural institutions like the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), with executive production by Irene Marcos-Araneta — presents a unique opportunity for young Filipino opera singers. The objective is to refine their skills, focusing on Italian diction, stagecraft and interpretation under the guidance of acclaimed Italian maestros who will be flying into the country: Fabio Armiliato, Mariano Panico and Lorna Zaccaria, alongside Filipino tenor John Florenci.
Masterclass participants will include winners from the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) and rising stars from Viva Voce’s production of La Bohème. Aspiring classical singers and music students are also invited to observe these sessions.
At the press conference, Kaye Tinga, president of the CCP, emphasized the importance of showcasing Filipino talent: “One of the mandates of the Cultural Center of the Philippines is to showcase the best Filipino performers in arts and culture. And (Puccini) is one way that we are doing it. By conducting workshops, we hope to develop their talent, which can be part of the greater performing community.”
