A rare magnificence

The Francisfest 2008 concert at Santuario de San Antonio, which attracted a vast crowd, might be described as one of the musical marvels of the season – a rare magnificence.

The first local performance in full of Mendelssohn’s St. Paul’s Oratorio — indeed, a most significant “first” — marked the jubilee year of St. Paul, a fierce persecutor of the early Christians who later turned into their passionate protector.

Formerly named Saul, he was on the road to Damascus when a voice from Heaven spoke to him thus: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” The question sparked Saul’s change of heart, this conversion being the essence of the entire oratorio.

Mendelssohn, musicologists inform us, was pleased with the work except for certain portions. In any case, the lengthy, exquisitely lyrical composition drew remarkable sonorities and resonances from the combined choirs and Rodel Colmenar’s Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under Austrian conductor Ernest Hoetzl that evening. The voices of the combined chorale — massive, thunderous, cohesive — soared. From the female chorus emanated gentle, mellifluous sounds. The orchestra was bold and aggressive, gently flowing by turns.

Soprano Camille Lopez-Molina, as usual, fascinated listeners with her powerful, rich timber and sensitive, profound expression. Tenor Ronan H. Ferrer (Stephen) distinguished himself with a solid performance, and bass-baritone Ronaldo Abarquez (Saul), was even more impressive. Narrator Eudenice V. Palaruan was emphatic and eloquent. Alejandro Consolacion II shone brilliantly as organist.

Amelita D. Guevara served as general program coordinator; she and Palaruan were the coordinators of the combined choirs: the Coro de San Antonio (regular conductor, A. Guevara), the St. Paul U. Manila Chorale (Sis. Anunciata Sta. Ana, music director), the Kammerchor Manila (R. Abarquez, music director), and the Coro Tomasino (R. Ferrer, music director).

Inevitably, I left before concert’s end, but heard more than enough to give almost all participants superlative praise.

Parish priest Fr. Jerome Angulo welcomed the audience. During intermission, awards were given to Imelda O. Cojuangco and Menchu A. Concepcion, the latter as indefatigable, dedicated Francisfest chairperson.

Printed messages came from President GMA, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Cardinal Gaudencio B. Rosales (who headed the guests), Minister Provincial Fr. Baltazar A. Obico, Fr. Angulo, Randy C. Limjoco, president of the Parish Pastoral council and, not the least, Menchu A. Concepcion.

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The following text messages were sent to Amelita Guevara;

It was heart-rending at times, and an encounter with the LOVE of a good and glorious God. — Lulu Castañeda (Soprano, Coro de San Antonio)/That was a very special treat. Your labor of love paid off. Hearty congratulations and many, many thanks! Ang ganda! Ang galing! Maraming salamat, sabi ng mga Holy Spirit nuns./Thank you so much for the tickets to your fantastic concert last night. All of us Jesuits enjoyed the presentation tremendously — Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ., (Jesuit composer)/Thank you, Tita Amelita, It was a great experience to be part of the Coro. The concert was unforgettable indeed. — Lalaine Abella (Alto, Coro de San Antonio)/To God be the glory! And congratulations to a great Coordinator and Conductor of the Coro. Thanks a lot. You are such an inspiration, too. God bless you. — Nonon Baang (bass, Coro de San Antonio)

Mam, it was great, great, great joy working with you. Your choir is very inspiring. — Eudenice Palaruan (Narrator, Chorale Coordinator of the Oratorio, and Conductor of Union Church Chorale)

Mam, marami pong salamat for the chance to perform solo again. Congratulations! — Ronnie Abarquez, baritone soloist as St. Paul/It was a magnificent performance! — Cards Guevara/God bless you for your dedication all these years. It’s good Peachy (Maramba) listed down in the souvenir program all the concerts you have organized. I’m trying to recall with the music scores I have, how many of these I have joined. — Marivic Concepcion.

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Julie Lluch’s Artist’s Talk and the Yuta Monograph launch have been reset for Dec. 12, the former at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde, 3 p.m., the latter at the CCP main gallery, 4 p.m.