MANILA, Philippines - For the first time, the country’s ballet icon and one of the most-loved pop bands join forces for a show like no other. Prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and her premier dance company, Ballet Manila, share the stage with Side A for a post-Valentine concert dubbed “Ballet, Band & Ballads” on Feb. 18, 19, and 20 at the Aliw Theater, Star City, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.
Side A will be singing their hits like Forevermore and Tuloy Pa Rin Ako.
Presented by the Manila Broadcasting Corporation and Ballet Manila, “Ballet, Band & Ballads” also features the world premiere of Manuel Molina’s “Love Beyond Goodbye” as choreographed to the arias of Josh Groban. It is Molina’s first choreographic work after a 10-year hiatus from the ballet world.
“Love Beyond Goodbye” celebrates love that is true and immortal. Lisa says it is a must-see as it merges the different sides of relationships such as innocent love, passion, and even boredom and treachery.
The show also includes: “Less Sylphides,” a “white ballet” of men, a genre rarely seen in the world of dance featuring 21 male dancers in skirts with choreography by Augustus Damian and music by Frederick Chopin; and “Summer’s End,” a whimsical, romantic pas de deux about a boy and a girl who meet and fall in love one summer day, with choreography by Norman Walker and music by Frederick Chopin.
The dance/concert series is the offshoot of “Ballet, Band & Ballads,” the brainchild of MBC chairman Fred Elizalde who suggested the idea of a show combining classical ballet with pop music back in 1997.
The Ballet Manila and Manila Broadcasting Company co-presentation has since been brought to campuses and stages all over Metro Manila, and toured key cities like Dagupan, Cotabato, Iloilo, Cebu, Bacolod, Naga, Legazpi, Davao, Cagayan De Oro and Baguio.
Previous editions of the series have featured such pop stars as Ariel Rivera, Lani Misalucha, Janno Gibbs, Jaya, Nyoy Volante, Karylle, Toni Gonzaga, Kyla and Freestyle.
The Feb. 19, 5 p.m., show of “Ballet, Band & Ballads” is a fundraiser for the World Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR), an organization that aims to ensure comprehensive, competent and compassionate delivery of health services.
“Ballet, Band & Ballads” is sponsored by Star City, Island Rose, Ralph’s Wine and Spirits, Maynilad, Calciumade and Bank of Singapore. For inquiries, please call Ballet Manila office at 400-0292 or 525-5967. Opening night tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph.