The repertoire included the opuses of Mozart, Strauss, Elgar, Massenet, Giordano, Dvořák, and Bernstein, alongside beloved pieces by National Artists for Music such as Ryan Cayabyab and Ernani Cuenco, plus the lauded George Canseco.
Curtain call of ‘Music, Movies, Magic’ with artists and performers.
Diomedes Saraza, Jr. with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
Lara Maigue
Camille Lopez-Molina
Arman Ferrer
Cris Villongco
Music, Movies, and Magic’ director Alexander Cortez and CCP president Kaye Tinga.
Thespian Shiela Valderrama Martinez and National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes.
Diomedes Saraza, Jr., Kaye Tinga and PPOSI chairman Anton Huang.
Cora Dee Corpuz, PPOSI president Margie Moran Floirendo, performer Arman Ferrer, and Sandy Lamb Moran.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in close collaboration with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society Inc. (PPOSI) promised an evening of music, movies and magic, and they triumphantly delivered on all fronts.
From the moment the auditorium lights dimmed and the first few notes were played, the audience certainly knew — without a doubt — they would be entertained, enthralled, and enraptured.
Let the curtain rise!
The excellently-crafted program, curated with artistic sophistication and absolute precision, took us on a sentimental journey through the masterpieces of classical music and well-loved film scores. Guest conductor Gerard Salonga helmed the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), as they performed con mucho gusto y valor several classical compositions which elevated cinematic storytelling. The repertoire included the opuses of Mozart, Strauss, Elgar, Massenet, Giordano, Dvořák and Bernstein, alongside beloved pieces by National Artists for Music such as Ryan Cayabyab and Ernani Cuenco, plus the lauded George Canseco.
While some attendees expressed mild disappointment at the absence of themes from box-office hits like James Bond or The Sound of Music, we personally felt they showcased an ideal balance of the popular and the eclectic. Could it be that the programming under the auspices of Salonga wished to demonstrate how classical music could elevate the musical enhancement of films?
The concert began with Dvořák’s Carnival Overture, a lively and energetic piece that set the festive tone for the evening. The PPO’s dynamic interpretation captured the audience’s attention from the get go.
Camille Lopez-Molina’s rendition of “La Mamma Morta” by Umberto Giordano transported us to the world of Andrea Chénier. Her mezzo-soprano voice, enriched with years of experience, expressed a velvety and emotionally charged performance that resonated deeply.
Violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr. truly mesmerized the crowd with Massenet’s “Thais: Meditation.” His clear and passionate interpretation brought the familiar piece to life, deservingly earned applause.
Lara Maigue astounded with Mozart’s The Queen of the Night aria. Navigating what seemed like a two-octave vocal range with remarkable ease, clarity, and precision, Maigue left the guests in awe.
The PPO’s rendition of Elgar’s Enigma Variations: IX Nimrod and Strauss’ Die Fledermaus Overture were standout moments. The orchestra captured the beauty and depth of the iconic pieces. These were among the night’s most moving performances.
The first half concluded with a vibrant staging of Bernstein’s “Tonight Quintet” from the theater sensation West Side Story. Featuring Lara Maigue, Arman Ferrer, Camille Lopez-Molina, Jonathan Velasco, Gary Fabricante, and the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines — a highly-regarded professional dance group founded by the National Artist for Dance herself — this dynamic adaptation delighted the audience, leaving them eagerly anticipating for more.
The inclusion of Filipino masterpieces added a heartfelt touch to the evening. The PPO’s renditions of Cuenco’s “Bato sa Buhangin” and Canseco’s “Tubig at Langis,” both arranged by Cayabyab and Salonga, manifested the unique nuances of Filipino musicality.
The Philippine Madrigal Singers, arguably the country’s foremost choir group who have constantly and continuously toured around the world, performed a stirring variation of Cayabyab’s “Iduyan Mo.” Their lush harmonies brought a fresh emotional complexity to the beloved composition.
Arman Ferrer’s interpretation of “Be My Love,” a romantic ballad made famous by a man of the past, tenor and actor Mario Lanza, was nothing short of spectacular. His soaring vocals captured the song’s timeless charm amidst rapturous cheers..
Cris Villongco, returning to the stage after a hiatus, pulled off a heartfelt medley of Michel Legrand works. Her emotional maturity and seasoned artistry breathed new life into songs like “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?,” “The Windmills of Your Mind” and “A Piece of Sky.”
The concert event featured Saraza’s poignant performance of John Williams’ “Schindler’s List Main Theme,” a crowd favorite.
The affair concluded with a joyful nod to the holiday season. The Philippine Madrigal Singers and the PPO presented three carols from Home Alone, arranged by John Williams.
Many in the theater hoped for a sequel to Music, Movies, and Magic — perhaps with more iconic movie themes like South Pacific, Gone with the Wind, The Student Prince, Grease, Sing Street, A Star Is Born, Top Gun, Purple Rain, Rushmore and Pulp Fiction.
Realizing the PPOSI was raising funds for the PPO, there was thunderous applause and more applauses, along with cheers and shouts of bravos!
¡Enhorabuena,! CCP and PPOSI!
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