Young opera singers in Dulaang UP's Noli

MANILA, Philippines - Dulaang UP’s (DUP) production of Noli Me Tangere: The Opera by National Artist Felipe Padilla de Leon with libretto by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino is set to start its run on Nov. 16 to Dec. 4, Wednesdays to Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively, at the Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall in the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

DUP artistic director Alexander Cortez, under the music supervision of Camille Lopez Molina, directs the young promising opera singers Myramae Meneses, Antonio Ferrer, Luigi Manzano, Elainne Vibal, Chuck Hipol, Mark Queddeng and veteran classical artists Jonathan Velasco, Jean Judith Javier, JoyAbalon Tamayo, Cynthia Guico, Rica Nepomuceno and Natasha Cabrera, among many others from UP and other music conservatories.

The play will likewise showcase the raw but promising young talent of Matthew Anenias (photo), a grade three Claret student, who will be playing the tragic, soulful Basilio. Matthew’s first foray into mainstream theater is a baptism of fire given the novelty of the opera as a musical and theatrical genre in his generation. It is no ordinary feat to channel the emotions and vocal skills required of Basilio’s Aria in bidding his beloved mother, Sisa, farewell.

This play is a celebration of the beauty and richness of what is Filipino in our history and culture. It is also testament to the enjoyment of a seemingly extinct branch of the performing arts, transcending generations.

For details, call Cherry Bong Edralin at 0917-7500107, or the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840.