The Clarion Ensemble pursuit of excellence / Canadian duo to sing

The Romeo and Juliet matinee at the CCP theater inadvertently caused me to miss the opening number of the Clarion Chamber Ensemble concert at the Philamlife auditorium. This meant a great loss of listening pleasure because Mozart’s Divertimento in B Flat in the composer’s typical fashion abounds in musical ideas and approaches technical perfection.

However, I derived considerable listening pleasure from the rest of the selections. Discernible, as always, was the continuing pursuit of excellence by the Clarion Chamber Ensemble whose head-founder and flutist David Johnson recruits the best, that is, the most seasoned and talented instrumentalists from the various orchestras in Metro Manila, this invariably resulting in performances of singular polish, refinement and spirit.

Gounod’s Petite Symphonie, which took the place of Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E Flat owing to the indisposition of co-founder and pianist Hyun Joo Lee, was interpreted by Reynato Resurreccion Jr. and Edna Gomez (oboes), Ariel Sta. Ana and Raymond Lazaro (clarinets), Nepthalie Villanueva and Apolonio Dismulacion (horns) and David Johnson (flute).

The exquisite melodic line introduced by the flute in the Andante (second movement) was taken up by the clarinet, and soon, alternately, by the woodwinds and brasses in marvelous interaction, followed by smoothly-flowing, spirited ensemble work in the Scherzo and Allegretto.

Each instrumentalist played from inner illumination, thus combining disciplined technique with sensitive feeling. This dual approach also characterized the rendition of Brahm’s Serenade No. 1 in D Major (chamber version by Chris Nex). Players were Reginald and Olga Pineda (violins), Michi Martinez (viola), Renato Lucas (cello), Antonio Rodriguez (bass), David Johnson (flute), Reynato Resurreccion Jr. (oboe), Ariel Sta. Ana (clarinet), Noel Singcuenco (bassoon) and Nepthalie Villanueva (horn). In sum, one heard exhilarating, coherent, vibrant music. An increase in vitality was also very much in evidence, with each of the instrumentalists contributing to a riveting performance. Insistent applause was rewarded by a repeat of the Scherzo.

Under Mr. Johnson’s inspiring leadership, the continuing determination of the ensemble to elevate performance standards of chamber music to the highest level has worked admirably: Its audiences keep growing. Relevantly, Mr. Johnson’s unceasing effort to make the programs varied and appealing is still another reason.

Canadian duo to sing

On Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m., Canadian sopranos Grace Chan and Joanna Ong – both from Vancover – will "serenade" music lovers with classical music at Barbara’s which is just across San Agustin Church in Intramuros. Admission is free for the song concert which highlights the current "Celebrate Canada" month under the auspices of the Canadian Embassy headed by Ambassador Robert Colette and the NCCA. Grace and Joanna will interpret Canadian and Philippine songs, and choice compositions by Purcell, Scarlatti, Fauré, Mozart and Carissimi. Pianist Jonathan Coo will be the assisting artist.

Both highly-talented, the sopranos have performed in major opera houses in and out of Canada. Mr. Colette says: "We are delighted that Fil-Canadian artists will be sharing their musical prowess with Manilans. Grace and Joanna are two of the many successful Filipinos in Canada who are contributing to Canada’s dynamic and vibrant multi-cultural society."

Grace earned a bachelor’s degree in Opera Performance and a master’s degree in Voice Performance from the U. of British Columbia. Joanna is likewise a graduate of the same university. Jonathan, a laureate of the Second V. Horowitz International Competition, graduated from NY’s Eastman School of Music.