I had the opportunity to watch the first Al Gatmaitan solo concert billed “My Heart” four years ago. It was a two-night shindig held at the former Artist Playground at West Avenue in Quezon City. Maestro Jesse Lucas was its musical director.

The show, with a repertoire consisting mostly opera pieces, all written in the romantic languages of Italian, French or Spanish, made me wonder then: How do I figure them all out?

All my apprehensions were definitely erased after an hour of listening to Gatmaitan and his musical collaboration with Maestro Lucas — every story he shared about the aria, the lines and its melodies appreciated and loved them all.

What I will never forget about the Al Gatmaitan experience — how his voice soared when it needed to soar. How it became hushed and soft when the aria or the kundiman needed it. Renditions of each number, always heartfelt and truthful. Therefore, revealing what the musical pieces conveyed — anguish, desperation, hurt, elation, giddiness and that one kind of love with all the feels and splendor.

This 14 November, Gatmaitan headlines the Manila Pianos Artist Series in collaboration with Artes Organization in a show billed Tra Musica E Sogno with acclaimed pianist Dingdong Fiel sharing the stage and a repertoire of crossover music and operatic pieces as its centerpieces and delights.

Gatmaitan 101

Tenor, musical theater artist, actor for television and film and commercial model, Gatmaitan received extensive vocal education at the University of the Philippines under Professor Emmanuel Gregorio, followed by studies at the Conservatory of Music of University of Santo Tomas, and finally a music degree at Saint Paul College, Manila, both under Dr. Ronan Ferrer. He earned further scholarship in Italy where he studied L’insegnamento della Lingua Italiana all’Estero at Universita per Stranieri Dante Alighieri.

He was granted additional scholarships to attend Teatro Calabria (Acting and Diction) under Professor Rodolfo Chirico, soprano Maria Francavilla of the Consevartotio di Vibo Valennita (intensive private vocal formation training) and Spazio Teatro (Actor’s Formation).

This tenor rallies for the opera because “it is the complete art form that combines music, dance, drama and words. It tells a story in a more dramatic, exciting and even relatable manner. Aside from it being entertaining to watch and listen to, most often than not, it has a commentary on societal issues. And yes, it being a multisensory experience makes it truly divine and sublime. It’s the highest form of art that God gave all of us.”