Philippine Opera Company hosts the ‘Black Box’ series

MANILA, Philippines - After a successful first season, The Philippine Opera Company presents the Young Artists Series Black Box event on March 20, 6:30 p.m., at the Opera Haus with Elite.

In the theater the term Black Box refers to a devoted space where daring experiments and new visions are tested through performance. Performers who choose to go and perform in a black box are usually the ones with most open hearts and sincere desires to hone their talent.

Last January, the Philippine Opera Company hosted a “Black Box” affair for its Young Artists Series (YAS). The YAS started in October 2012, as a soiree every third Wednesday of the month featuring the Young Artists of the Opera Company. After the success of the first two events, artistic director Karla Gutierrez and artist-in-residence, mezzo soprano Clarissa Ocampo, decided to enhance the program by engaging the artists in more creative work and perform scenes from various operas, as well as, musical theater pieces that have crossed over into the classical arena. What makes this event different from the rest is the challenge given to the young artists to hone and develop their artistry by giving them the opportunity to stage their own scenes. To assist and mentor these artists, POC invited several established and well-known directors in the theater industry.

The Philippine Opera Company closes the series by putting the spotlight on their best and strongest Young Artists. An “Elite” YASer is a Young Artist who exemplifies attributes of a world-class artist and musician. They possess exceptional vocal prowess and unmatchable performances throughout the YAS season. These artists will perform Opera scenes from Bellini’s I Capuletti ed I Montecchi, Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, Gounod’s Faust, Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine, Delibe’s Lakme and Verdi’s La Traviata.

The show features Gabriel Panlilio, Marian Santiago, Twinkle Prietos, Lara Maigue, Ellrica Laguardia, Lena McKenzie, Cris Go, Al Gatmaitan, Lawrence Jatayna, Janine Santos, Joseleo Logdat and Clarissa Ocampo with surprise guests.

For inquiries, call the Philippine Opera Company at 822-9609 or 0917-5272880.