Last Sunday, an enchanting outdoor concert with a profusion of unique talents in the musical world of choirs, settled briefly at the Ford Theater.
It was an art haven patronized for its artistic, social and business prestige. Behind its footlights and nuggets of musical loves, a tone was set.
It was a musical reunion for the Madrigal Singers, who took in two journeys: one at time of geographical distance, the other a journey in time with musicability to “celebrate together in songs.”
It’s not a surprise to anyone, how coherent and full their lives have been, how much each had accomplished and how proud they felt about what they have done.
In the musical world, it has spawned a multitude of classical and pop soloists, arrangers and conductors, along with doctors, lawyers, dentists and judges from wonderful families.
The appeal of their musical values lies with an apostrophe to “what beautiful music we can make together.”
An open-air concert was a perfect stage setting for the Philippine Madrigal Singers (with a hovering helicopter paying unsolicited tribute, notwithstanding).
It was an indispensable eclectic treasury of music, which included a wide variety of musical styles like folk songs and pop.
From their world-renowned commissions and premiere there were parts that were disco, alternative and Filipino pop rock music, with a mixture of genres, as well as classics from the Jersey Boys medley.
Their songs were almost like reading prose or poetry, with a musical background.They were like fine paintings — even their pop singing, is a fine art form, like a fine piece of symphonic music.
We were told that peerless concert music director and Harana Men’s Chorus conductor Ed Nepomuceno has two musical specialties: choral conducting and orchestration/arranging, throw in an excellent proficiency in training fledgeling choirs.
His most glowing quality is his power to convey sound musicianship and unaffected sympathy for the music he chooses to conduct (musicals, from the classics to pop).
He has an unspoken and affectionate advantage of communicating to the singers — never pretending omniscience, even after delivering the most powerful integrated interpretations of any score, in any performance of the night’s repertoire.
His ear is so attuned, not only to intonation, but also to dynamics. He can detect an off key, even with his back turned to the singer.
But he can charm, delight, instruct or even cajole singers, to become invariably ecstatic about his beat, his precision, his clarity.
The exuberant volatility he demands from this ensemble is the same inexorable discipline (in attitude, singing or mere platform) behaviour that he imposes on himself.
You can’t judge Maria Cristina “Kit” Navarro by her extraordinary voice, or her incandescent fame. Her performances (both local and international), are remembered by all who hear and see her.
Ay Kalisud’s sublime voice was so sad, reinforcing that sadness to such a degree that blanketed the audience with melancholy. She commanded the stage with an emotional level which touched the audience and held them spellbound!
Sal Malaki may very well have given pleasure to more Fil-Am Opera aficionados than any other genre.
I am one of those grateful for having been overwhelmed by the tenor at his Dorothy Chandler Pavilion appearances in over 90 operas, with distinguished roles in La Traviata, Madame Butterfly and La Boheme.
He stood there and effortlessly poured forth those ringing high notes. He threw his arms wide in triumph, bowed his head in indescribable pain or flashed an irresistible smile — brighter than any of the stage lights. You just knew that you were in the presence of a nuclear power!
Producer/Director Anne Nepomuceno believes that musical shows are a collaborative art form, where everyone’s involvement in the production has to be total — their enthusiasm limitless and irresistible.
Director Anne gave it its own look in approach and style. It was clear, precise and had an unshakable view of the director’s goal.
As the lights went up and the performers on the stage converged, the thundering applause spoke for a grateful evening. Each and everyone gave a part of themselves – like pebbles, together they made a boulder.
