Brian’s audience asks for repeat of Rock Symphonies/Yang scholars in Korea tilt

Filfest president Vicky F. Zubiri insisted that I listen to young violinist Joseph Brian Cimafranca in “Rock Symphonies” at the RCBC auditorium. Why? Brian once performed at her residence and he so impressed her, she invited him to be the soloist at “Rock Symphonies”, with the Manila Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Molina as accompanying ensemble.

The first part of the concert was classic music; the second, rock. Under Molina’s baton, the MSO in Bizet’s Carmen Suite reflected the vibrant quality of the original opera, particularly the unrelenting spirit and vivacity of the Toreador song.

In Saint-Saens’ oft-heard Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Brian instantly asserted his superb technique, firm approach, unwavering assurance, tonal lushness and moving expressiveness. There was animation, a typical vitality from the youthful MSO members as Molina wielded the baton with remarkable authority.

Ensued Bizet’s Scene de Ballet, dramatically danceable as it was meant to be.

The rapturous response began thereafter. Hinting at the coming change of pace, mood and ambiance were Conductor Molina and the ensemble members in everyday attire and tennis shoes; Brian in a colorful polo shirt, leather jacket and tennis shoes.

The James Bond Medley was a mix of themes from James Bond movies. Oddly enough, the rock arrangement of Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee, Monti’s Czardas remained essentially classic, their scores basically unchanged. It was Brian’s wizardry, his playing of these pieces at the fastest possible clip, at incredibly mind-blowing tempi which achieved the shift, leading the audience to riotous applause.

It must be noted that the young Brian was rendering the music of his time and clime. His virtuosic skill, temperament and lively stage deportment — call it showmanship — were perfect for the idiom. In the Michael Jackson Medley, a mix of Jackson songs, Brian did the moonwalk, startling and delightful as he glided as smoothly as Jackson did.

At one instance, Brian placed the bow between his lips and strummed his violin as though it were a guitar in a rondalla band. In another instance, he put a hand behind an ear, enjoining listeners to sing Na na na na in the Beatles’ Hey Dude.

Through the rest of the numbers — Tayo’y mga Pinoy by Heber Bartolome, Mission Impossible, He’s  a Pirate — Brian exhibited tremendous versatility and stamina, walking or dancing as he performed on his violin, to the unending amazement and admiration of the crowd.

Shouts of “More!” brought on Summer from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Hey Jude. After Brian and the ever-complaisant Molina obliged, a member of the audience, Evelyn R. Garcia, indicated to Vicky that a repeat of the concert was clearly in demand.

Jade Rubis Riccio and Stephanie Aguilar, scholars of the Klassika Music Foundation chaired by George Yang, have been invited to the 2013 Seoul International Competition in Korea.

At a private concert in the residence of George and Kristine, the sopranos rendered songs and arias, the latter from operas by Puccini (La Boheme and Madama Butterfly), and Verdi (Traviata and Rigoletto). One soprano had bigger volume; the other, better technique. Both, in any case, were highly impressive. Hopefully, Jade and Stephanie will emerge winners. Their voice teacher and mentor was Rachelle Gerodias, one of the country’s leading sopranos; their coach, internationally acclaimed baritone Andrew Fernando.

The sopranos’ selection as contestants is in recognition of Mr. Yang’s immense contribution to music in our country, his foundation having developed and continuing to develop  the talent of so many instrumentalists and singers.

A late bloomer as singer, Mr. Yang, now finds himself in the company of our most distinguished tenors.

Applauding Mr. Yang’s scholars were music lovers Eddie H. Yap, Danny Dolor, Esther A. Vibal, Vicky F. Zubiri, CCP president Raul Sunico, Tony Pastor and Evelyn R. Garcia, among others.

Rising singers release album

Rising Filipino classical musicians, in celebration of Nicanor Abelardo’s 120th birth year, will release the album “The Songs of Nicanor Abelardo” on May 3, 6:30 pm at the Philippine Center in NY. The artists are baritone Joseph Legaspi, tenor William Lim, soprano Katrina Saporsantos and pianist Benjamin Dia, all graduates of prestigious US music schools.