Range of opera at The Goldenberg Mansion
Through familiar streets, everyday meals, and scenes of hometown life, self-taught artist Jedo Papel finds beauty close to home, bringing the stories of Palapag, Northern Samar, to canvas.
Concerts have transported me from one musical world to another, most specially when the melodies are familiar enough to hum along to — and even better when there are new discoveries. To listen to opera-trained voices take on a movie favorite musical score, a traditional time-honored kundiman, or chart-topping contemporary Filipino pop song hits bring a new dimension to these timeless compositions. At the latest, Goldenberg The Concert Series: The Opera Belles offered such an enchanting late afternoon-early evening encounter.
The historic Goldenberg Mansion is one of the newly-renovated and refurbished heritage residences within the Malacañang Palace Complex. The concert series is a notable recurring project by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.
Composed of Daniella Silab, Nicolah Lim and Sheena Bentoy, the Opera Belles are the premier all-female classical vocal trio of the Philippine Opera Company — all with their solo caliber. Known for their full-of-life performances, they successfully and seamlessly integrated classical opera with contemporary pop. Affectionately called the “Princesses of Corporate Events,” they have likewise taken up the spotlight for leading corporations and companies, concerts, theatrical productions and cultural events throughout the Philippines. They also released their debut single and music video, In The Mood, and recently performed with a 52-piece orchestra in two sold-out shows at Silliman University.
THOSE in the illustrious company (from left) are Nicolah Lim, Daniella Silab, First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, Sheena Bentoy and Kim Dominik.
Enthusiastically accompanying the trio was pianist Kim Dominik Sarmiento, a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, who specializes in Piano. An active pianist for dance studios and ensembles, including Quartet Manila and Manila String Machine, he likewise served as repetiteur for Philippine musical productions such as Once on This Island, The Ants and the Grasshoppers and Once Upon A Mattress.
The program was categorized into four themes: Classical, Film, Kundiman and Filipino Pop.
The Classical section unfolded with the musical genius collaboration of Arthur Sullivan’s “Three Little Maids,” from The Mikado, with a libretto by William Schwenck Gilbert. Its playful melody eased the way to George Frideric Handel’s Lascia Ch’io Pianga from Rinaldo, a moving aria which expressed a longing for freedom and peace. Jacques Offenbach’s Belle Nuit, Ô Nuit d’Amour, also known as the Barcarolle, from The Tales of Hoffmann, completed the distinct portion with its graceful, flowing tune.
The threesome then seamlessly shifted to the Film sensations, to include Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman, which offered its intense declaration of yearning. Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg’s so easily hummable “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” initially sung and popularized by Judy Garland in the blockbuster The Wizard of Oz, recalled the fantasy of a happier time. Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s iconic Tarzan wrapped up the selection with its heartfelt, tender message of love.
SAN Perfecto Elementary School.
The Kundiman choices commenced with “Ikaw ang Mahal Ko,” composed by Tito Arevalo with lyrics by National Artist for Music and Literature Levi Celerio, as a promise of genuine affection and utter devotion. National Artist for Music Ernani J. Cuenco and Levi Celerio’s “Nahan” explored the emotional desire for a loved one. Constancio de Guzman’s “Pamaypay ng Maynila” ended the passage with a romantic musical recollection of old Manila.
For the final stage, the appreciative crowd was first embarrassed to even hum, but slowly and softly sang along. “Ewan,” masterfully interpreted by the APO Hiking Society — in their much-anticipated full-house performances through the years, with music by Louie Ocampo and lyrics by Winnie Arrieta, captured the unpredictable uncertainties of love. Ben&Ben’s “Leaves” tendered a gentler reflection on healing. Breakout pop stars BINI’s earworm Pantropiko, composed by Angelika Samantha Ortiz, Paula Patricia Chavez, Julius James “Jumbo” De Belen and Mart Sam Emmanuel Olavides, brought the program to a lively close.
Student-guests from Gen. Ricardo G. Papa Sr. Memorial High School Main and Annex, Kapt. Jose Cardones Integrated School, Trinity Baptist Academy, Bitik Elementary School, San Perfecto Elementary School and San Juan City Integrated School, all cheered and jeered with youthful energy, while the other invited guests from various interests and fields likewise joined them in a standing ovation.
¡Enhorabuena, The Opera Belles! Bravo, Kim Dominik Sarmiento!
KAPT. Jose Cardones Integrated School.