Met's old glory relived / Binay marks Makati Day

Artists who worked with Conching Sunico, Production Czarina of the Metropolitan Theater from 1978 to 1986, and a few young guest artists recreated its glory days.

With most of his old charm and charisma still present, Chinggoy Alonso rendered numbers from Camelot (as King Arthur) and My Fair Lady (as Henry Higgins). Karla Gutierrez, Clarissa Ocampo and Ana Feleo fetchingly interpreted Broadway tunes, the latter adding an aria from Turandot.

Virtuoso pianist Raul Sunico and leading soprano Rachelle Gerodias were doubtless the top performers, with Sunico interpreting in fiery, masterful, overwhelming manner Granados’ Allegro de Concierto and Liszt’s transcription of Wagner’s Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde. Gerodias’ ringing, powerful voice soared above the Manila Metro Community Orchestra and the UP Concert Chorus in the finale Pandangguhan, while lighted candles borne by rapidly moving Ramon Obusan dancers glowed in the dark. Leo T. Valdez, vastly impressive, fully justified his triumphs abroad in Hindi Kita Malimot/Sarunbanggi/Dahil Sa Iyo, his depth of feeling, his long sustained notes fascinating listeners. The tiny, slim and pert Beverly Salviejo compelled attention as she saucily and sensuously belted out Eto Na Kami.

Ben Farrales’ ternos were ravishing. As his models paraded, the dancers in highly theatricalized, stylized fashion portrayed the introduction of Christianity and basketball with its dribblers.

The MMCO under Josefino Toledo deftly played, a fusion of Broadway, classic and native tunes and a spirited medley imaginatively arranged by Toledo.

Informative remarks were delivered by eminent theater personality Tony Mabesa who was Met theater director. Other annotators were Sunico’s close relatives Chinggay Lagdameo and Tessa Prieto Valdes who wittily alluded to her flamboyance.

The lively, colorful tribute to Sunico was directed by Mabesa, with Floy Quinto as assistant director and writer. The spectacular set designs were by Ricardo Cruz. Mga Ginintuang Alaala was a joint enterprise of the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc., NCCA, DoT, CCP - its theater as venue - Security Bank and Makati Zonta.

Makati’s 339th Foundation Day was celebrated with “A Night of Music” by Mayor Jejomar Binay at the U. of Makati auditorium. Prior to the concert, Binay told me in jest, “I hope the people won’t snore during the performance.” Far from it; how thoroughly enchanted and entertained were they!

On his nth return to this country, Ruggero Barbieri conducted the compact Filipinas Chamber Orchestra in judiciously selected pieces well within its competence: Prelude to Carmen and Farandole, both by Bizet, N. Rota’s “The Immigrant” from the film The Godfather, Viaggio a Donnoufugata and Quasi in Porto. The various sections were in fine fettle, the strings shimmering in smooth cohesion. Barbieri’s podium style suggested a bit of exhibitionism but he admirably drew fire from the ensemble in dramatic passages and exquisite flowing lines in the lyrical.

I am not familiar with the judicial record of judge Jenny Lind Aldecoa Delorino but she proved to be a very fine, entrancing soprano with a mellifluous, firmly controlled voice and eloquent emotive talent in Ang Maya and Mutya Ng Pasig. Her top notes were resonant and unwavering. Tenor Randy Gilongo interpreted Pakiusap and Bituing Marikit securely and expressively. He and Delorino sang Makikiliti Kang Totoo, with the soprano amusing and enchanting the audience. The piece was sung again as encore.

Marimbist Dena Fernandez could not play with alto saxophonist Michael Young having been a victim of a bag snatcher. Thus, Young rendered A. Yuyama’s Divertimento alone, conveying polish and technical skill of a high order.

The audience was vastly appreciative, often applauding during the performances. Mayor Binay and his wife Elenita congratulated the artists. Ferdinand V. Estrella served as emcee.

Exhibits

The exhibit of Agnes Arellano and Pardo de Leon opens today, May 23, at 6 p.m. Galerie Hans Brumann, Greenbelt 5 Bel-Air, ending June 22. Alliance Francaise presents the sculptured works of Pete Jimenez at Yuchengco Museum, May 28, 6:30 p.m., to June 20.