Cimafranca enthralls in Filfest’s Rock Symphonies/ SPU’s Night at the Opera

The printed program described Filfest’s “Rock Symphonies” at Alabang’s Insular Life Tower as “an interpretation of classical pieces in special rock arrangements”. The musical structure of Chabrier’s Overture played by the Manila Symphony Orchestra under authoritative  conductor Arturo Molina, of De Beriot’s Scene de Ballet and of Saint-Saens’ Rondo Capricioso, with the young, engaging, brilliant Joseph Brian Cimafranca as violin soloist, remained the same.

Cimafranca instantly conveyed technical  mastery and an amazingly wide emotive range. His firm, brisk bowing hand was complemented by incredibly nimble fingers of the other hand.

In the opening number, Chabrier’s “España”, Molina had the MSO fully capturing the sparkling, throbbing spirit of Spain and all its splendors.

The classical Flight of the Bumble Bee, Czardas, Hungarian Dance No. 5, and Vivaldi’s Summer metamorphosed into rock symphonies through greatly accelerated tempo and more frequent, more intensified percussion beats, the ultimate effect electrifying listeners who could hardly resist turning and twirling to the music. Indeed, as soon as they could recognize the melody of a pop song, they would break out into thunderous applause.

The soloist, conductor and MSO members, for this portion, had changed from formal attire to such colorful street wear that the announcer had to assure the audience it would be listening to the same performers!

The rousing rock symphonies turned the listeners into a frenzied lot, with Cimafranca exhibiting his astounding versatility by completing his dual music personality. How the virtuoso effortlessly achieved a tour de force! Completely relaxed, he would sit down, sway or walk as he played. At one point, he went up the auditorium, momentarily serenading Filfest president Vicky F. Zubiri.

Earlier, as Molina opened the second half of the program, he went into an even faster, more furious mode in “Victory!”. Forthwith, soloist and conductor dazzled the listeners. Never had they enjoyed themselves as much as they did that night. “What a fantastic violinist!” was their common remark as they roared and gave Cimafranca a standing ovation - to the total gratification of sponsors Vicente R. Ayllon, Filfest chairman, and BMW’s Bobby Rosales.

“A Night at the Opera” was remarkably presented by St. Paul U’s College of Music and the Performing Arts. The stage set was eye-catching, with tiers on either side from which the singers descended. The screen for the English translation of the lyrics was attractively decorated. All the sopranos were in elegant gowns.

The printed program made no distinction between the “voices-in-progress” and their mentors but the difference between the two was  obvious.

Arias and songs rendered were from operas or operettas by Mozart, Lehar, V. Herbert, A. Sullivan, G. Gershwin, S. Romberg, Bizet, Offenbach, St. Saens, Delibes, Puccini and Verdi.

Stand-outs were Thea Perez, Elisanta Cortes, Ericka Cruz, Nenen Espina and Eudenice Palaruan, his resonant, powerful voice soaring admirably.

The Drinking Song from “The Student Prince”, the Toreador Song from “Carmen” and the Brindisi from “La Traviata” had imaginative blocking, lively ensemble singing and acting.

Dean Sr. Anunciata Sta. Ana should be warmly commended for giving highly promising vocal students early exposure to opera. Pianists Mary Anne Espina was an excellent assisting artist. So was Myasel Joy Aldap.