The music on George Yang’s mind

It is lamentable but also oh so true that there have been no recordings of classics like O Sole Mio by Filipino singers in recent times. New versions can be found in Japan or China but not here, a country where even the farmers in remote areas readily recognize Granada. And it is not because we lack the talent. It is because classical music does not sell and is deemed inaccessible to the masses hereabouts.

That should not be the case and I know of a lot of artists who are making the effort to change the situation like McDonald’s tycoon George Yang. He is a natural tenor who loves to sing and this love is now his passion. Yang, who graduated with honors from De La Salle University and Wharton School of Commerce and Finance is now a true artist with several concerts and three albums under his belt, including his latest, Always Yang, Timeless Songs by George Yang.

The CD contains compositions that are now staples in the repertoire of classical male voices. So thanks to Col. Sanders’ big man in Manila we now have versions of well-loved classics by a Filipino artist. Not only that, Always Yang is also a wonderful proof of what discipline and dedication can accomplish. George sings classical and that is not easy. I can just imagine the many hours he spends training his voice, getting his notes right and giving these the right expression.

Included are O Sole Mio, Mi Macherai, the theme from Il Postino, Nessun Dorma from Turandot, Una Furtiva Lagrima from L’Elisir D’ Amore, Torna A Surriento, Mattinata, Ave Maria, Senza Catene, Brindisi: Libiano Ne’ Lleti Calici, a duet with Rachelle Gerodias of the aria from La Traviata, Un’ Aura Amorosa from Cosi Fan Tutte, Granada, Moon River, I’ll Be Seeing You, Once Upon a Time, Stardust and All I Ask of You with Gerodias from Phantom of the Opera.

Yang’s is not the best versions of these songs but he shows strength in his delivery and reaches for his high notes with a caress. His singing is an interesting combination of the sweet and powerful and makes for pleasant listening.

Incidentally, Yang’s involvement with music does not end with his singing. Because he believes that classical music has strengthened his faith in meeting challenges with a positive attitude, he has established the Klassikal Music Foundation. This is an artistic scholarship fund that provides financial assistance to deserving musicians.

Baroque music

A great Holiday treat for lovers of Baroque music is Christmas Bachxes. The concert series marks the Philippine premiere of the full Christmas Oratorio, six magnificent cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach as performed by three groups of talented young singers accompanied by the Metro Manila Community Orchestra, orchestra in residence of the Center for Applied Music at Miriam College conducted by Chino Toledo.

Presented by the Institute for Orchestral Development in the Philippines, the series kicks off tomorrow, Dec. 11, with the UP Camerata Voices performing Bach Cantatas 1 & 2 at the Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills. It will be followed by the Ateneo Chamber Singers with Cantatas 3 & 4 at the Ateneo de Manila University in Loyola Heights on Dec. 14. Bringing things to a close will be the Novo Concertante doing Cantatas 5 & 6 at the St. James the Great Parish in Ayala Alabang. All performances begin at 8 p.m.

I think the fact that this is the Philippine premiere of the complete Christmas Oratorio by Bach, which is nearly 300 years old, performed by Filipinos, does say a lot about the state of classical music in the Philippines. It would be nice if you can hop from one performance to another and complete the series. If not, you can take in one or two then hope that the series will be so successful that they will do the complete set again next year.

For details, call Music Center of Miriam College at 426-1822 and 580-5400 local 3580.