MKF scholars ‘invade’ B’way/ Abunda: A Boy quickly rises

The Musika Klassika Foundation chaired by George Yang presented its scholars at the Philamlife Theater in a recital of exclusively Broadway songs. These came from such musical as Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Sunset Boulevard, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweeny Todd, Into the Woods, A Little Night Music, Children Will Listen, Showboat and selected Rogers and Hammerstein tunes.

The program began with international pianist and CCP President Raul Sunico masterfully interpreting excerpts from Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story, his thunderous chords contrasting with exquisitely lambent lyrical passages.

What followed was a remarkably – indeed, excellently – directed show by the internationally acclaimed Andrew Fernando whose powerful voice would match the joint volume of three baritones. Brisk stage action and movement, dramatic entrances and exits vastly enhanced and enlivened the production, making it delightfully entertaining.

Incidentally, how elegantly attired were the sopranos! Just how artistic director Fernando and choreographer Richardson Yadao should divide the honors is not quite clear (stage movement can also be regarded as dance), but they should certainly share them.

The captivating lighting by Rowel Beronio had stars twinkling behind the curtains, with colorful abstract designs as occasional stage scenery adding to the visual splendor. However, the stage itself was often half dark — this might have been meant to bring out an exotic surrealism, but most members of the audience would have liked a clear view of the performers.

Besides Sunico, the other highlight of the recital was leading soprano Rachelle Gerodias who sang, in her usual ravishing and arresting manner “As if We Never Said Goodbye” from Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Sunset Boulevard”.

The MKF scholars, for their part, rendered their numbers with vitality and expression, emotive talent and elan. They conveyed varying stages of vocal development. One might regard all of them as voices-in-progress.

In the songs by Rogers and Hammerstein, Rachelle Maano as Maria in “The Sound of Music”, Jade Riccio as Julie in “If I Loved You”, Rowell Cruz as the Lieutenant in “Younger than Springtime” and Leo Angelo Lanuza as Billy in “You’ll Never Walk Alone” seemed to rate a few notches higher than the rest in both vocal and emotive capacity, as did Fame Flores who sang “Make Believe” from Jerome Kerns’ “Showboat” with George Yang.

The third highlight of the recital, Yang previously rendered “Stranger in Paradise” from “Kismet” by Edward Knoblaunch. Although Yang’s talent was discovered late by his friends karaoke bar singing sessions, time has obviously justified the discovery. In the recital, Yang attacked and sustained high notes securely, assuredly, and with feeling, his volume increasing.

MKF scholars should draw inspiration from Yang himself who keeps the worthy aim of the Foundation – that of nurturing promising talents — alive and thriving.

It is to be hoped that for the next public engagement of the MKF, the members will sing kundimans and other songs by Filipino composers.

Besides those mentioned, the other MKF scholars are Micah Galang, Rosette Aguinir, Belford Mabunga, Vincent Olandesca, Ruth Escupulo, Bernadette Mamauag, John Pitas, Barely Espina, Kimberly Longkino, Karla Villanueva, EJ Marquez, Kenneth Rarama, Jhomerita Chua-So, Stephanie Aguilar, Cipriano de Guzman, Jr., Glenn Naquila, Christian Nagano, Ma. Gereberne Lozada and Marie Anne Dominese.

Earley Asuncion was the admirable pianist-assisting artist.

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Warmest congratulations to my young colleague Boy Abunda for his recent highly deserved award which was announced in STAR’s front page. Boy unashamedly and candidly confesses to having come from humble beginnings from where he has risen to become a tremendous success.

I recall how he initially worked as a general factorum of Conching Sunico when she was director of the renovated Metropolitan Theater, Boy taking charge of its public relations office besides.

Boy should be a genuine inspiration to all the young fellows around him, having eloquently proven that hard work, determination and perseverance give immense rewards.