The superb UST Singers/Binay presents concert/Vapni opens photo show

Upon the invitation of UST Conservatory Dean and piano virtuoso Raul Sunico, I attended the UST Singers’ concert under the direction of conductor-pianist-arranger Fidel G. Calalang Jr. Winner of 45 international awards, including the title “Choir of the World” garnered in Wales, UK, the group is scheduled to leave May 7 on its 17th world tour to vie for further honors in the US and Mexico (brave souls!).

At the concert held in the residence of Guia Gomez, the choir rightly invoked God’s blessing, opening with “The Lord’s Prayer.” Followed a Bach motet, the native songs Mag Tanim Hindi Biro, Dandansoy and Waray Waray — all arranged by Calalang — Spanish love songs including Eres Tu, a Cuban love song, a spiritual, Broadway hits and a devastating, climactic medley consisting of excerpts from Bizet’s Carmen, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Strauss’ ‘The Beautiful Blue Danube,” among others.

Under the masterful direction of Calalang, the singers wholly justified their international awards. Totally disciplined, inspired and responsive to Calalang’s cueing, the choir cohesively conveyed the softest pianissimos swelling to tremendous fortissimos which nearly shattered the glass panes of the living room. With consistently clear diction and the subtlest, most sensitive nuances, the group differentiated styles, one from every other. Emotions ranged from sadness, surprise, gladness, disappointment, grief, to ecstatic joy.

Imaginative, clever and inventive, Calalang made his many arrangements arresting and fascinating. Whenever he played the piano to assist the singers — these sang throughout without scores! — his infectious zest, vigor and spirit were duly captured and expressed by them.

The soloists — a baritone, tenor and two sopranos — were outstanding.

How movement and dance added charm to the songs!

We nurture the hope that despite the rigors and stresses the singers will inevitably experience in the various competitions abroad, the richly gifted Calalang will lead them to garner top honors again, returning home as always as the country’s pride.

Concert sponsor was the Foundation for Filipino Artists headed by Jul Dizon, with Willie Soliven and Sessy Garcia among its members.

Makati Foundation Day concert

Under the auspices of Mayor Jejomar C. Binay, Makati’s 339th Foundation Day will be celebrated with an invitational concert of classics and kundimans on May 15, 5:30 p.m., at the U. of Makati auditorium.

The program will consist of songs by Estrella, Francisco, Cuenco and Abelardo, Bizet’s Prelude to Carmen, and Farandole from Arlesienne, Rota’s “The Immigrant” (from “The Godfather”), and the local premiere of Akira Yuyama’s Divertimento for Marimba and Alto Saxophone to be rendered by marimbist Dena Fernandez and saxophonist Michael Young.

Other performers will be soprano Judge Jenny Lind Dolorino and tenor Randy Gilongo. Ruggero Barbieri will conduct the Filipinas Chamber Orchestra.

‘The Shadow of Israel’

To celebrate Israel’s 61st anniversary, Ambassador Zvi and Limor Vapni opened yesterday “The Shadow of Jerusalem” a photo exhibit of Leodnid Padrul which will run until May 18 at the Metropolitan Museum.

Padrul was born in Ukraine and immigrated to Israel in 1994. He heads the Department of Photography at the Eretz Museum, one of Israel’s biggest archaeological museums. “From an early age, Padrul took a special interest in landscape photography, a most complex genre. The charisma of these landscapes, blended with emotion and well-developed artistic sensibilities, create unique vistas which also echo the inherent foundations of the plastic arts: composition, a play of light and shadow, perspective and the ability to capture the viewer.”