The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Intramuros Administration (IA) once again join forces to bring a night of artistry and emotion to the historic Walled City for the third edition of Intramuros Evenings. This year’s presentation, Francis Poulenc’s Aubade Concerto and La Voix Humaine (The Human Voice), will take place on 12 November at 7 p.m. at the Centro de Turismo, Intramuros, Manila.

A symphony of emotion and expression

The evening begins with Poulenc’s Aubade, originally conceived as a ballet and later performed as a chamber concerto for piano and 18 instruments. Blending 18th-century neoclassicism with the fluid lyricism of 20th-century French music, this elegant piece will feature world-renowned pianist and former CCP president Raul Sunico with the University of Santo Tomas Symphony Orchestra (USTSO) under the direction of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.

Following Aubade is Poulenc’s haunting one-act monodrama La Voix Humaine, a poignant portrayal of heartbreak and solitude. The opera revolves around Elle, a woman in anguish as she bids farewell to her lover through a series of fragmented phone calls. Filipina soprano Armela Fortuna takes on the emotionally charged role, performing alongside the USTSO, whose lush harmonies heighten the drama of the moment.

A collaboration of masters

Intramuros Evenings: La Voix Humaine exemplifies how the arts transcend boundaries, brought to life through the collaboration of several Gawad CCP Para sa Sining awardees and esteemed Filipino creatives.