THE COUNTRY’S premier and promising artists, including notable Thomasians, delivered spectacular performances in “Bulawan,” the 50th anniversary concert of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) held last Sep. 21.
The first day of the anniversary celebration held on Sep. 20 focused on the fundraising gala for the revitalization and rehabilitation of the CCP building. The renovation will last for three to five years.
“The CCP Main Building is now in need of major renovation and technical upgrading, if it is to remain a cultural landmark and a leading showcase of performing arts,” CCP chairwoman Margie Moran Floirendo said.
CCP vice president and art director Chris Millado stressed the role of the center in preserving Filipino culture and arts.
“The formation of our national culture is still an ongoing project but I think we should celebrate the breakthroughs and the gifts that our local artists have,” Millado told the Varsitarian.
The second day of the fundraising gala featured a concert, where some notable Thomasian performers took part.
Among them was celebrated pianist Raul Sunico who enthralled the audience with two exceptional numbers, “Liebestod” by Tristan and an original arrangement of Isolde and George Canseco’s “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan.”
The former Conservatory of Music dean stressed the importance of support for the arts, not only by the government but also by the people.
“Funding alone will not provide impetus if the public remains distant. The CCP shows are affordable and offer a lot of variety. It is up to the audiences to see and hear what there is to enjoy,” he stated.
Theater actress Joanna Ampil alongside the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra delivered a medley of West End hits – “Sun and Moon” from “Miss Saigon,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” from “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “On My Own” and “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables,” and “Memory” from “Cats,” under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera.
Meanwhile, revered soprano Rachelle Gerodias, who majored in voice performance from the University and graduated cum laude in 1993, delivered a stellar performance together with Korean baritone Byeong-in Park as performers from Ballet Philippines captured the audience with an excerpt of “Carmina Burana.”
“I’m just honored to be performing together with all the other artists. To be part of this historical event is very special because CCP has been the home of the artists like us,” Gerodias stated.
The UST Symphony Orchestra String Quartet alongside tenor Radnel Ofalsa, who graduated from the University this year, major in voice performance and won first prize in National Music Competition for Young Artists in 2017, and Daloy Dance Company represented the bright future of the performing arts in their performance of “Hanggang” by Wency Cornejo.
USTSO president Ram Sajota urged Thomasians to come see performances at the CCP for “it is teeming with talent, fresh ideas, and contemporary beats.”
“[The CCP] embraces not just the culture but also life itself – that amidst the grandiosity of life in the metro, we can stop and sing to reflect,” Sajota said.
The two-day gala also showcased the best of Philippine art, from folk rituals, dances, visual arts, literature and music. with reports from Jiselle Anne C. Casucian
