Philippine Opera Company stages 'Ang Bagong Harana'
MANILA, Philippines - The harana or kundiman became a mainstream musical style with veteran performers namely Diomedes Maturan and Ruben Tagalog popularizing it until the late ’60s. Today, the young generation may not even know its real essence as far as Filipino folk traditions are concerned. And that is the one singular reason why Philippine Opera Company (POC) is reviving this piece of beautiful Filipino culture,” says Karla Gutierrez, artistic director of the Philippine Opera Company.
In 2008, POC produced the critically-acclaimed hit “Harana” as a vehicle to showcase the evolution of Philippine music through song and movement. Its numerous reviews from Manila’s art cognoscenti and clamor for more shows further boosted “Harana” to conquer the international scene when it went on a tour of Amsterdam in 2009.
For the 2011-2012 season of the POC, “Ang Bagong Harana” takes another bold step with a newer and fresher version with an array of immortal and classic Filipino songs that will be interpreted in never seen performances by the country’s foremost artists from the field of music.
“Ang Bagong Harana” will showcase the best of all the Filipino songs from different music genres Pakiusap, Anak Dalita, Ili-ili, Nasaan Ka Irog, Madaling Araw, Hating Gabi, Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal, Ngayon at Kailanman, Penpen di Sarapen, Leron, Leron Sinta, Waray-waray, Iduyan Mo, Kalesa, Sa Libis ng Nayon, Kahit Ika’y Panaginip Lang, to name a few.
The show features Karla Gutierrez, Aizel Prietos, Charley Magalit, Janine Santos, Marian Santiago, Lawrence Jatayna, Jack Salud, Nazer Salcedo, Marvin Gayramon, Al Gatmaitan, Jurgen Unterberg and Floyd Tena. Musical arrangement by multi-awarded composers and arrangers, Von de Guzman, Jessie Lasaten and Paulo Zarate.
“Ang Bagong Harana” will have a limited run from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. with matinee at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 at the Carlos P. Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
For ticket sales please call Philippine Opera Company at 881-7168 or 0917-5272880 or TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.philippineoperacompany.com or Like Harana on Facebook.
