R. Gerodias, A. Fernando: An incomparable duo/Ole!

The great diva Lotte Lehman once confessed that she preferred singing an entire opera than diverse arias in a voice recital. She explained that in an opera, scenes are acted out, thus gradually developing the emotions to their fullest measure. On the other hand, in isolated and separate arias, emotions are conveyed full-blown on the instant.

Notwithstanding, the arias and duets rendered at the Philamlife Theater by soprano Rachelle Gerodias and baritone Andrew Fernando — two of our most outstanding singers — did not leave us with a feeling of inadequacy or non-fulfillment. On the contrary, they gave the audience immense pleasure and gratification.

Opening the concert with an aria from Donezetti’s Don Pasquale, Gerodias immediately demonstrated her flawless technique, her masterful control of dynamics which endlessly shifted from pianissimo to fortissimo, her voice pure and crystalline.

Poise and refinement defined her performance which was enhanced and enriched by irresistibly expressive acting and emoting. Toss of the head, delicate hand movements, graceful turns went with compact tones of every shade, color and feeling. All these characterized as well the aria Tanto amore from Puccini’s Turandot, and the other numbers.

But the puzzle remained: physical beauty is of course an asset to begin with, but how can a petite, fragile-looking singer possess such power?

In the arias from Mozart’s La Nozze di Figaro and Verdi’s Rigoletto, Fernando’s voice was full-throated, gaining more momentum and intensity as the songs progressed, throbbing with emotion in robust, thunderous, resonant fashion. With sweeping dramatic power, the voice often gripped the audience, as Fernando took on an arrogant stance or conveyed romantic ardor.

Soprano and baritone sang with the clearest diction, meticulously articulating every word. In the duets from Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Verdi’s Rigoletto, Gerodias and Fernando were an incomparable duo, each carrying the composer’s intent to the highest degree, vocally and emotionally, as they portrayed a pair of lovers.

The Broadway songs, e.g., “All the Things You Are,” “I Have Dreamed,” “So in Love” were interpreted in a lighter manner, abounding with grace and charm, the voice ringing superbly.

Incredibly unassuming for all his considerable stature as international concertist, Raul Sunico served as assisting artist. With his participation, no greater unity of purpose, no more masterly collaboration could have been achieved.

Thunderous applause earned Sa Kabukiran from Gerodias, and an English duet. The duo’s triumph was difficult to surpass.

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“Ole!”, a presentation at the CCP Little Theater of the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines headed by Minerva Tanseco as president and Gilda Salonga as chairman, featured Emma Estrada’s Nuevo Flamenco Manila. This offered dances of fiery, electrifying, rhythmically precise zapateados and taconeos performed by Maritzi Aquino, Nina Glorioso, Nina Prats, Belen Co, Katsie Llave, Jae Ermita, Abby Pascual, Nestie Tinoco and the lone male Russel Wisden.

Jorge Amparado dazzled the audience as a matatador waving and twirling his cape with amazing dexterity, while the señoritas executed rapid turns and twirled their voluminous skirts with verve and abandon. Singer Jonathan Badon was absolutely enchanting, his voice solid and profoundly expressive in Granada, Besa Me Mucho and an English song fluently rendered. (It is rare for singers to be equally fluent in both Spanish and English.)

In one number, Chloe Periquet led a group with her expert castanet-clicking as she herself briefly danced with flair.

Before “Ole!” ended, Estrada called for audience participation; forthwith, Tereret T. Liboro surprised everyone with her agility and passion. Yerbaguena accompanied the dancer and the singer with infectious verve and flamboyance.

Awarding ceremonies preceded the show with emcee Johnny Litton calling to the stage San Miguel Co. representatives, Ed and Carrie Bautista, PAGCOR chairman Efraim Genuino, v-p Dodie King, CEO Chito Cabatu, former First Lady Mrs. Imelda Marcos, CCP founder. Martin Lopez and Boysie Villavicencio joined FCCP secretary Nenuca Blardony onstage.