Not to be outdone by its Makati counterparts, the Dasmariñas Village Association gave another free concert for residents, actually the fifth featuring the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under Rodel Colmenar. The family affair had children, before the concert, cavorting, playing, running or fidgeting as they were being coddled. Beside me, a little girl was soundly asleep in her pram!
In any case, the grown-ups roundly applauded the solid and perceptive reading of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major, with Colmenar’s baton bringing the music to vibrant, pulsating life.
Young violinists — surely future members of the MPO — played with remarkable brio short pieces by Handel (a bourree), by Boccherini (a minuet) and by A. Thomas (a gavotte) . MPO flutist Robert Tarang astounded the audience with his smooth and fluent interpretation of Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra. His stunning cadenza placed him alongside our country’s best flutists.
Having to leave unintentionally, I regretted missing the performances of tenor Jemuel Victorino and soprano Maan Laserna for the second half of the program of light, popular music which included compositions by Colmenar. But having come early, I caught the rehearsal of the Manila Philharmonic “Voices” — two female and three male — who were straining to be heard above the cymbals and drums. I trust tonal balance was later established between singers and ensemble.
It was a vastly delightful concert. DVA president Backie Celdran welcomed the audience headed by Sri-Lankan Ambassador Aloy N. Ratnayake who was at his first Philippine concert. Sponsors were Security Bank, Chinatrust and Petron.
For “Love Concert”, the St. Scholastica College nuns lent the St. Cecilia’s Hall for the use of the performers who waived their talent fees. The beneficiaries were two richly talented sopranos: 26-year old Alexis Edralin, granddaughter of Max Edralin Jr. who raised her, and 16-year old Pamela Erika J. Pascua. Alexis has leukemia, reputedly the most difficult type of cancer to treat; Pamela, stricken with cancer of the muscles, has had one leg amputated.
In “Love Concert”, Cocoy Laurel mesmerized listeners. So did Jonathan Badon. The Chameleon Dancers conveyed verve and vitality. Sopranos Ana Feleo and Lena McKenzie fascinated; singers Dondi Ong, Tata Poblador and Cubes Tabi, and pianist Tony Pastor asserted their presence; The Three Baritones — Leo Logdat, Lawrence Jatayna and John Ocampo — made a considerable impact. Other artists entertained, likewise, in varying degrees.
At concert’s end, the pretty Pamela, garbed elegantly, rendered three popular songs while seated, her marvelous voice reaching incredibly high notes. Rene Camu sang with her.
Alexis wanted to come and sing but the doctors advised her against it, so announced Max Edralin. However, a CD of hers proved a revelation. As I listened to her ravishing, magnificent voice, I kept asking myself repeatedly: Why had I not heard Alexis sing before, or ever heard of her? In due time, she should be appearing at the Met in New York, La Scala in Milan, or at other major opera houses abroad!
Hopefully, this observation will move kind-hearted readers to assist the two ailing sopranos who require expensive therapy. Checks may be sent to Max Edralin, Jr. through the Central Bank where he works.
Dramatic readings in tribute to National Artist for Theater Daisy H. Avellana were staged at St. Paul U. Manila’s Fleur de Lis auditorium. L’aiglon (The Eaglet) by Edmond Rostand featured Isabel Muñoz/Tessie O. Luz; Elizabeth the Queen by Maxwell Anderson featured Angelita Martinez Florio. Lord Essex also by Anderson featured Jose Mari Avellana.
The SPU Manila Chorale sang as did St. Paul U. student winners in Mga Awiting Pilipino Competition: Camille Monique Gallano (3rd prize) and Maria Isabel B. Canoy, (1st prize). Pianist Mary Anne Espina was assisting artist. Pianist Beah Gumarang, 2nd place in a Bach contest, played. Ivi A. Cosio gave the response. I could not attend the event.