A piano concert of Spanish canticles
Spanish Christmas carols called villancicos are believed to have gained popularity during the Middle Ages. Unlike the American carols that talk about Santa Claus, reindeer and winter wonderland, the songs have more biblical themes. These include the birth of baby Jesus, the visit of the three Magi to the manger and happiness about the birth of the Son of God. But while the Philippines has a long history of Spanish colonial influence, most Filipinos are unfamiliar with the traditional Spanish noel.
On Dec. 6, 8 p.m., young Filipino pianist Angelo Ortiz will hold a concert featuring Spanish Christmas carols at the CP Romulo Auditorium RCBC Plaza in Makati. Because the event is made possible through a grant from the Spanish Program for Cultural Cooperation, tickets to the program are free.
“Financial grants and support are extended to noteworthy projects initiated by scholars and artists that aim to study or achieve wider knowledge of our blended culture and history,” says Jose R. Rodriguez, director of Instituto Cervantes. “Bringing back the Spanish carols through the concert is a fitting means to start the celebration of Christmas.”
Rodriguez explains that there is a wide range of areas in the Humanities, Social Sciences that can be eligible for grants. Apart from contemporary or historical studies on Spain, studies on Spanish influence in the Philippines and the Pacific Islands may also qualify. “The grant is open to every Filipino,” he says. “The goal is to bring the program out of Manila and into the provinces.” Research studies, publication projects, cultural activities and conferences, symposia and seminars involving collaborative and interdisciplinary research are eligible for support
“This is my way of ‘giving back’ in the season of Christmas,” says Angelo Ortiz when he is asked why he has chosen to play the carols. The 24-year-old has earned the distinction of winning two world titles as the “Overall Instrumental World Champion for Classical and Original Works” at the World Championship of Performing Arts held in Hollywood, California, USA that drew in 50,000 participants from 50 different countries. “I applied for a grant from Instituto Cervantes to be able to give something different this year — not just the usual Christmas carols that you hear. What you will hear are the spicy, Spanish songs.” Assistance from Instituto Cervantes proved invaluable for research and collection of musical material. “I chose the most popular songs in Spain and did the arrangement for these on the piano and orchestra. “I applied for a grant in May, and have since been keen on research to really understand the songs.” He will be performing with a 41-member woodwind symphony orchestra.
“I want to add that I met Angelo some few months ago. I was a guest speaker and he was the guest performer,” interjects Instituto Cervantes’ Rodriguez. “I saw his great potential and when I received the grant proposal, I immediately presented this to the executive committee. We have to support the young and talented youth, and other young people have to know that these grants could be made available to them.”
With 16 or 17 songs included in the repertoire, Angelo has had to devote more time for musical arrangement and re-arrangement, as well as rehearsals. “I am playing with a young, talented band from Sta. Maria Bulacan,” he shares. “The members include some 11- and 12-year-olds, among whom are NAMCYA winners who could be considered child prodigies. Since Christmas songs should be lively, the energy of the young band will animate and enliven the music even more.”
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For tickets, call 645-1450 or SMS 0915-5144867 and 0927-7906814. To learn more about Angelo Ortiz, visit www.angeloortiz.com. For information about grants under the Spanish Program for Cultural Cooperation, visit www.spcc.ph or contact the general coordinator of the program at Instituto Cervantes, 855 T.M. Kalaw St. Ermita, Manila 1000. E-mail spcc@cervantes.net.ph.
