Featured were internationally acclaimed concert pianist Raul Sunico, multi-awarded soprano Rachelle Gerodias, tenor Lemuel de la Cruz and the UST Orchestra under Herminigildo Ranera in an all-Filipino program.
Gerodias was spirited and sparkling, her voice made even more ravishing by her dexterous manipulation of dynamics in climactic passages. De la Cruz seemed rather inhibited, not always delivering in full volume. In Anak Dalita and Kalesa, the soprano tended to overshadow the tenor.
The orchestral pieces – the Tanging Yaman Overture, Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa, etc. as well as L. Sacramento’s Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, "Maharlika", played by Sunico, were relatively speaking, technically much less sophisticated, less challenging and demanding than foreign compositions. The Concerto was a breeze for Sunico who infused tremendous power, outstanding dexterity and sensitivity into the work.
Heading the audience were music patrons Alfred and Enny Ching, impresario Tony Pastor, Luis and Mellie Ablaza.
Orchestra members come from diverse regions – Isabela, Baguio, Manila, Sta. Rosa, Lucena and Bicol. Six are from Korea.
Coo will also conduct Il Repastore Overture by Mozart who marks his 250th birth anniversary, and Awit ng mga Kabataan, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Philippines Triumphant and Ode to the Republic by National Artist Col. Antonino Buenaventura who marks his 10th death anniversary. Tribute will also be paid the orchestra’s honorary music director Rizalina Exconde Buenaventura who is observing her 88th birthday.
The event will be unique. Images of famous films will be projected on a big screen without sound; instead Nicolosi’s piano-playing will be heard. There will be 41 film trailers, some of which will be Gone with the Wind, Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Gilda, Johnny Guitar, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Magnificent Seven, The Wizard of Oz, Roberta, Lawrence of Arabia, Summer Time.
Reading dates are June 16 and 17, starting 3 p.m. on June 16. There will be a midnight concert and midnight paella on Friday and the final breakfast party on Saturday morning, with chocolate con churros for all participants who will each get a T-shirt and a certificate.
The IC needs 250 readers. Those wishing to sign up should call 526-1482 to 85, local 115 or text 0906-8173781, or e-mail cultmni@cervantes.net.ph on the subject "Lee el Noli".
The IC theater, now under construction, will be inaugurated in mid-June. Anyone who wants to be a theater sponsor will have his/her name engraved on a brass plaque, which plaque will be placed at the back of a theater seat. A corporate sponsor will have the same privilege. Individual sponsorship is for P11,000; corporate sponsorship, P16,000. Deadline for checks is May 20.
The First International Congress on Fil-Hispanic Architecture was held in Manila in November of 2002. The conference papers are now in a book which the IC will present jointly with the Asia-European Foundation on May 16 at 7 p.m.
Daughter of Yun Wang and Jingdon Hua, and a student of Cecile Basilio-Roxas, Hannah has already played in several piano recitals and workshops. She also performed at the Sta. Isabel College Jubilee Concert in the Philamlife auditorium last year during which she rendered ensemble pieces with her equally talented younger brother Hugo. Grade Two student at the ISM, Hannah has just turned eight.
Her recital was under the auspices of the MCO Foundation which supports highly promising artists by giving them exposure, endorsement and experience.