Teaser: Philippine Opera Company's Ang Bagong Harana, Opening Sept. 29

Numbers performed by the cast at the recent presscon for the show. My phone-cam does a crappy job capturing the true vocal power of these classically-trained singers (for starters--look, no mikes!). A sentimental favorite, because I'm Bicolano: Sarung Banggi, sung by baritore Lawrence Jatayna and soprano Janine Santos, at 4:25 in the first video clip.


The Philippine Opera Company's “Ang Bagong Harana,” a musical journey that offers fresh takes on immortal and classic Filipino songs as performed by the some of the country’s foremost classically-trained singers and artists, will have a limited run on September 29-October 1, 8 p.m., with matinee at 3:30 p.m. on October 1, at the Carlos P. Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
The word “Harana” is the Filipino name of a traditional form of courtship in which a man woos a woman’s affection by singing underneath her window. The creation of each “Harana” suite is a product of thorough research with the commitment to preserve indigenous Philippine music and its appropriate dance and folklore.
“Ang Bagong Harana” features Karla Gutierrez, Aizel Prietos, Charley Magalit, Janine Santos, Marian Santiago, Lawrence Jatayna, Jack Salud, Nazer Salcedo, Marvin Gayramon, Al Gatmaitan and Floyd Tena, showcasing the best of all the Filipino composers from different music eras and genres--Nicanor Abelardo, Ryan Cayabyab, Willy Cruz, Francisco Santiago, Antonio Molina, Resti Umali, George Canseco, Ernani Cuenco, Levi Celerio, Jose Estrella, Constancio De Guzman and Felipe de Leon, to name some--in new arrangements for the show by Paulo Zarate and Jesse Lasatin.
For tickets, call Philippine Opera Company 8817168 or 0917-5272880 or TicketWorld at 8919999. Visit www.philippineoperacompany.com; or like “Harana” on Facebook.