Symphony at the Terrace delivers ‘world-class presentation’

MANILA, Philippines — The recently-concluded Symphony at the Terrace concert presented European vibes and high-octane performances by some of the country’s finest classical artists.

The moon shone brightly from above, which added a romantic feel to the night in an open-air venue at the East Terrace and Enrique Zobel Field, Manila Polo Club (MPC).

With the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra playing in the background and Maestro Herminigildo Ranera as the conductor, the performers who graced the event equally beamed on stage with their powerful vocals and serenaded the crowd with classical symphonic compositions, choruses and opera music from famous composers.

The Philippine version of the European-inspired grand arena-style concert started with Gloria All’Egitto and Triumphal March (with MPC equestrians marching towards the stage), both from the monumental opera Aida by Giussepe Verdi.

Sopranos Rachelle Gerodias and Bianca Lopez-Aguila displayed their vocal prowess in Flower Duet and respective solos in Habanera and Meine Lippen for Rachelle and O Mio Babbino Caro and Quando m’en Vo for Bianca.

Baritone-tenor artist Byeong-In Park performed Vesti la Giubba and E lucevan le stelle and a duet with fellow tenor Arman Ferrer in Core ‘ngrato. Arman also did Stranger in Paradise with Bianca and Torna a Surriento, while Nomher Nival sang Nessun dorma.

Cebu-born violinist Princess Christine Ybañez splendidly performed A Fifth of Beethoven and Le Cygne (The Dying Swan), while principal ballerina of Ballet Manila Abigail Lynn Oliveiro gracefully danced to the Camille Saint Saen piece.

Waltzers ensemble also neatly danced in pair to the tunes of Emperor Waltz and The Blue Danube.

Non-profit church-based chorale organization Quorista and theater artists of Galaw.Co rendered their singing and dancing skills, respectively, as well.

The stage was artistically complemented with 12-ft. tall Roman fluted columns, chandeliers hanging from the dome roof trusses, Egyptian motif with golden columns and pharaoh throne chair, adding to the “one-of-a-kind, grand scale” concept of the program, as described by concert producer Eddie Yap.

“All the elements came together to produce a magical night of symphony at the fabled East Terrace judging from the effusive comments coming from the audience, first-timers and cognoscenti alike,” he told The STAR.

“The early summer weather was perfect. The starry night with its steady cooling breezes was soothing. The stage design presented a spectacular setting… complemented by a carefully curated program and superb performance of the large cast, and all these combined to cast a mesmerizing spell on the audience.”

“Many were spellbound and felt like a summer night concert in Europe was transported to the Polo Club, as promised. Even the attention of youngsters in the audience was riveted to the stage, a proud grandfather said. Another said the concert rekindled love for classical music. Many asked for a repeat of the show or for more of the same,” he added.

The musical presentation capped the night off with a fireworks display — a fitting ending to such a grandiose affair.

The audience also seemed pleased with what they had witnessed. Argentinian Ambassador to the Philippines Ricardo Luis Bocalandro described the concert as a “magnificent cultural refreshment.” He told Eddie, “The musicians were great and the voices were something absolutely special.”

Former Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo called it a “truly world-class presentation” while ex-general manager of Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Ralph Peter Jentes said it “was a more spectacular event with world-class choreography and performance.”