THOMASIAN musicians took part in a celebratory concert in commemoration of the 125th year of the arrival of Benedictine monks in the Philippines at The Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat in Manila last Feb. 8.
The concert featured the music of a UST Conservatory of Music pillar, the Benedictine monk Dom Benildus Maramba.
“His compositions, as a by-product of his creative genius, are vital components of Philippine musical heritage,” Asst. Prof. Leonardo Guilang, president of the UST Music Faculty Club said in his opening remarks.
The concert began with the “Gloria” from the Pope’s Mass (World Youth Day 1995), interpreted by tenor Francisco de Guzman Jr., Coro Tomasino and Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, together with the UST Symphony Orchestra (USTSO) under the baton of Michael Jacinto.
It was followed by “Pugad Lawin Symphonic Ode”and “Bakit Kaya? / Mahalin Mo Ako Sinta” performed by soprano Elisanta Cortes and tenor Radnel Ofalsa, and “Ang Bawat Pagyao” from “Ang Sarswela sa San Salvador,” performed by soprano Armela Fortuna and tenor Ronan Ferrer.
Excerpts from the opera “Takayama Ukon” were also performed by soprano Nenen Espina and baritone Noel Azcona.
The second part of the concert featured solo performances, including “Piano Piece 2005” played by Jascha Obieta and “Theme and Variations on a Pangasinan Folksong” with Gina Medina-Perez on the violin and Raul Sunico on the piano.
“Improvisation for Clarinet 2005” was performed by Ariel Sta. Ana while “Improvisation for Trumpet 2004” was played by David Jorvina, accompanied by Peter Porticos on the piano.
“Anak ko: Magpakababa Ka!” was performed by soprano Thea Perez accompanied by Allan dela Cruz on piano.
The USTSO also played “La Naval Symphonic Ode” under Prof. Herminigildo Ranera’s baton.
Excerpts from the opera “Aba! Sto. Niño” were performed by tenors Randy Gilongo, Ronan Ferrer and Eugene delos Santos together with baritone Jun Ayran. A budding child soprano under Espina’s tutelage, Danikka Dy, was featured in the excerpt of “Niño Hesus.”
The concert was capped with a tutti performance of the “Hymn to Our Lady of Montserrat” with the USTSO.
“Bawat piyesa na iyon, mayroong memory sa amin. Lahat ng mga kumanta diyan, noong mga estudyante sila, sila ang kumanta noon. So very memorable iyon. Kaya nga, masayang-masaya kami na narinig ni Father [Maramba] uli iyong mga kinompose niya at iyong mga studyante niya na nagperform,” Ranera said.
The concert was presented by the UST Conservatory of Music Alumni Association Inc. and the Music Faculty Club.
