IMPARTING blessings through music was the aspiration of premier soprano Rachelle Gerodias who marked her 40th birthday with the concert Rachelle Gerodias on Years and Songs, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) last October 8.
The concert was also a charitable endeavour since its proceeds would benefit the scholars of the Rachelle Gerodias Music Foundation.
“The concert would be a perfect avenue for the foundation,” she said. “This is my way of saying thank you to my church and acknowledging the music industry. This is my way of giving back.”
The concert featured Gospel singer Tricia Amper-Jimenez, tenors Lemuel Dela Cruz and Arthur Espiritu, baritone Andrew Fernando, and McDonald’s Philippines chairman George Yang. CCP President and UST Conservatory of Music Dean Raul Sunico also performed with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Thomasian maestro Rodel Colmenar.
The concert was a fusion of gospel songs, classical music, and excerpts from operas and musicals such as “Noli Me Tangere” and “Show Boat.”
Excerpts from the opera “La Traviata” were sung in a powerful duet between Gerodias and Fernando. The romantic and sublime “Make Believe” from “Show Boat” was sung by Yang and his mentor, Gerodias, followed by a piano solo of “Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan” by Sunico.
A passionate duet titled “Wheels of a Dream” from the musical production Ragtime was sung by Gerodias and Fernando. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” was a touching family affair as Gerodias sang with her parents, while her brother Rolando Gerodias accompanied them on the piano.
Gerodias broke from her usual coloratura voice and used an alternative tone to sing the inspiring gospel song “Love Will Be Our Home.” Concluding the event was “The Light of a Million Mornings,” a moving song that resonates with faith and unconditional love for God.
