MANILA, Philippines - The City Government of Makati presents classics and Filipino kundiman to be performed by the country’s noted classical artists namely, soprano Judge Jenny Lind Delorino, tenor Randy Gilongo, marimbist Dena Fernandez and saxophonist Michael Young, to be slated on May 15, 6:30 p.m. at the University of Makati’s (UMAK) Auditorium. The concert includes Italian-based conductor and former CCP music director Ruggero Barbieri and the Filipinas Chamber Orchestra. The invitational concert, under the auspices of Mayor Jejomar C. Binay, is part of a month-long celebration of the 339th Foundation Day of the City of Makati.
Program includes Bizet’s Prelude to Carmen and Farandole from “Arlesienne,” Estrella’s Ang Maya, Francisco’s Pakiusap, Cuenco’s Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal, Rota’s “The Immigrant” (love theme from The Godfather), and Titoli “Viaggio a Donnaufugata,” Abelardo’s Bituing Marikit and Mutya ng Pasig, Tolentino’s Makikiliti Kang Totoo and the Philippine premiere of Akira Yuyama’s “Divertimento for Marimba and Alto Saxophone” to be performed by Dena Fernandez and Michael Young.
Gilongo was a featured soloist at the Nagano International Music Festival, the CCP, Philamlife Theater, PCI Bank Tower, Pundaquit Chamber Music Festival, and at the International Bamboo Organ Festival. He is also a faculty member of the UST Conservatory of Music and Coordinator of its voice department.
Dena Fernandez has performed at the International Music Festival in Barcelona, Spain; Dallas, Texas; and at the New York’s Merkin Concert Hall and the Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Theater, where she earned glowing reviews from LA-based music critic Peter Antonio Galagar Jr. for her “dramatic, intensity and sensitive” musical projection of the marimba. At present, Fernandez is a member of the PPO as a violist.
Michael Young has performed with Kan Nam Orchestra (Korea), Korean American Youth Symphony Orchestra, Creative Arts Orchestra and at Ayala Jazz Festival, and Jewelmer Jazz Festival. Young is a professor of saxophone at the University of the Philippines, University of Sto. Tomas, St. Paul University Manila and Sta. Isabel College.
Delorino has performed at the Bel-Air Makati with tenor Jonathan Badon, and is currently a judge at the Makati City’s Regional Trial Court Branch 137.
As former PPO music director, Barbieri toured the group through Europe in 2001 performing in Austria, the Czech Republic and Spain. At present, Barbieri is a board member of Canada’s “The Opera Project.”
The concert is in collaboration with Cathay Pacific Airlines and Rustan’s Corporation.