How the new harana evolved / On missing musical events

To prepare music lovers for “Ang Bagong Harana” to be presented by the Philippine Opera Company from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at 8 p.m., with a 3:30 p.m. matinee on Oct. 1, its organizers have described the genre’s brief history.

“Harana” is a Tagalog word that connotes a traditional form of courtship where in a man presses his suit by singing love songs to a woman.

The “harana” or “kundiman” became a mainstream musical style with veteran singers Diomedes Maturan and Ruben Tagalog popularizing it until the late 60s. Unfortunately, with the advent of newer musical genres, “harana” has been quietly left behind. 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 POC is reviving this beautiful Filipino genre, says Ms. Karla Gutierrez, POC artistic director.

In 2008, the POC’s acclaimed “Harana” conveyed the evolution of Philippine music through song and movement. Its reviews from Manila’s cognoscenti and the clamor for more shows led to a tour of Amsterdam in 2009. Upon its return it reaped success in several provinces in 2010 and 2011.

For the coming production, “Ang Bagong Harana” takes another bold step with a newer and fresher version of immortal and classic Filipino songs to be interpreted in “never seen performances” by some of the country’s noted singers.

Each Harana suite is the result of thorough research, with the commitment to preserve indigenous Philippine music and its appropriate dance and folklore. Costumes are likewise the subject of intense research.

According to director Floy Quintos, the new “Harana” will be more challenging because of is wholistic approach to our culture and the music that resonates from every region in our country. “Ang Bagong Harana” will integrate past, present, north, south, colonial, post-colonial experiences and put them into a revue inspired by a nation’s soul. The different suites will mix old and new songs — re-mixed, re-arranged, re-edited to explain “who we are as Filipinos” and “where we have come from.”

The best Filipino songs from different music genres will be showcased:”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”, “Paraiso”, “Iduyan Mo”, “Kalesa”, “Sa Libis ng Nayon”, “Kahit Ika’y Panaginip Lang” — to name a few.

Featured singers will be 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. Venue is the RCBC auditorium.

“Ang Bagong Harana” is a must-see production for every Filipino who wants to hear our very own kundiman music amidst all other music genres which are now being perpetuated in our local music scene. It will also serve as a treat for foreigners who will immerse themselves in a truly authentic Filipino music environment, thus making them understand our country’s cultural and musical heritage.

The show is also a tribute to the Filipino youth, with more and more of them drawn to Western influences. The youth need to assert their Filipino identity through our rich music heritage.

On missing music events

These days, the weather is so unpredictable that at the slightest sign of a downpour, I begin to waver about attending a musical performance, especially when Pagasa’s forecast of “Heavy rains in the evening” could mean flooded streets.

I regret having missed the recital of pianist Anna Labra Makk and that of 21-year-old violinist Diomedes Saraza, Jr. Both are enthralling musical artists, the seasoned Makk and the highly promising former prodigy Saraza.

The 65-member UP Orchestra is about the size of all other local ensembles. I likewise regret having missed its concert under conductors Rodney Ambat and Edna Marcil Martinez. Both names are new to me and I would have welcomed discovering how they compare with their peers.