Traviata at CCP in March as spectacular as Mama Mia! / KMF scholars pass auditions

Judging from a press preview of Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’, the production will be spectacular. However, opera buffs will have to see it twice at the CCP theater first, on either March 2 or 4 for the celebrated Korean cast of the Daejeon Opera Company, and second, on March 3 for the equally celebrated Filipino cast.

Media listened in awe and admiration to La Scala tenor Arthur Espiritu as Alfredo, much sought-after soprano Rachelle Gerodias as the courtesan Violetta and international baritone Andrew Fernando as Germont, Alfredo’s father.

The three are essaying their roles in ‘Traviata’ for the first time; Arthur and Rachelle as the deeply in love pair sang an exquisitely haunting duet; Andrew and Rachelle eloquently enacted Act II, with Germont begging Violetta to renounce Alfredo to save the Germont name. The rest of the lusty applause will have to be saved for the actual presentation on March 3.

Meanwhile, questions were asked at the open forum. How do the singers relate or identify themselves with their roles? ‘Traviata’ being on love and sacrifice, Arthur calls to mind personal experiences involving love and sacrifice to delve into his role wholeheartedly. Rachelle analyzes her part deeply, empathizing with the character until she becomes one with her. Andrew urged the press to attend the opera which is distinguished not only for the singing but also for the acting of the cast.

A 17-year old journalist admitted that opera was still alien to her; how will she come to appreciate it? The reply: by exposure.

In this regard, I was still a child when my parents had me listening at home to record of Metropolitan Opera singers — Amelita Gali-Curci in the mad scene from Lucia (on a dare, I will sing the melody of the entire aria by heart but of course not to best the Met coloratura); the sextet from ‘Lucia’, the quartet from ‘Rigoletto,’ an aria by baritone Lawrence Tibbett in ‘Emperor Jones’, etc.

At first, I thoroughly disliked listening to the singers but because of consistent exposure, I now regard it “heavenly” listening to excellent operatic renditions.

Further, at the press conference, CCP president Dr. Raul Sunico pointed up opera as a total art form combining “music, theater, dance and design.” ‘Aida’ and ‘Tales of Hoffman’, for instance, have stunning dance numbers. In ‘Traviata’, the heavy dramatic element is an incentive to theater-lovers.

Another media member asked how the three singers found performing for local and foreign audiences. Rachelle loves singing, particularly kundimans for Filipinos. “There is no place like home,” she averred. Arthur confessed he feels rather nervous singing for local audiences, and Sunico concurred, adding, “They seem to expect so much from the performer.”

On March 2 and 4, Korean singers — soprano Yun-Kyoung Yi, tenor Jae Wook Lee and baritone Daesan No — will display their own vocal talent and thespian skill. Korean Professor Jae Joon Lee will conduct the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra; the world-acclaimed UST Singers trained by Fidel Calalang Jr. will provide choral support.

Sunico said that although opera is not often produced in our country owing to prohibitive production costs, ‘La Traviata’ will have eye-catching, elegant sets and costumes enhancing the first-rate singing and acting, adding: “The opera will be as spectacular as ‘Mama Mia!’ Further, director Floy Quintos never disappoints.”

‘La Traviata’ will be followed by ‘Madame Butterfly’ in June, ‘Barber of Seville’ is slated for July 12 to 15.

*      *      *

Tenor George Yang, who chairs the Klassik Music Foundation, has released the names of the scholars who passed the auditions given by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. These scholars, who will be part of the chorus, are Jade Riccio, Vidagrace Mirang, Jhomerita Chua-So, Stephanie Ann Aguilar, Rowell Cruz, Christian Nagano, Jilbert Chua and Belford Mabunga.

Maestro Lim Yau, who auditioned the singers also chose Jilbert Chua and Lemuel de la Cruz (KMF board member) for minor roles.

George Yang’s earnest concern in furthering the careers of Filipino singers continues to produce considerable results.

The singers will be in Singapore from Feb. 12-19, and will be performing at the Esplanade concert hall on Feb. 18.

Jade Riccio and Gilbert Chua passed the auditions for the French master class to be held at the CCP.