Last Sept 9, Sunday, Rick and I went to watch the much-awaited Philippine Madrigal Singers Concert held at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in New York City. This is a church built in the 1800's which is still well-maintained and big enough that can seat more than 400 people. The "natural" acoustics of the church was put to a huge test that night----and the audience was not disappointed. There was no need for microphones---the sounds were loud and clear!
The concert started promptly at 8:00 - the opening spiel was made by Cecile Rebong, our very own Consul General based in New York.
Prior to the concert, I "indoctrinated" Rick about who this group is, their achievements and that I really love listening to their music. Since Rick himself, is a tenor, having been once part of a barbershop quartet called the "Copper Tones" that performed more than 400 times in Legend City in Phoenix, plus he used to sing solo in weddings having been a voice student himself, I was sure he would take an interest in watching with me. Well...we were both not disappointed. Rick was all praises and said inspite of the group's voices singing altogether, the sopranos could "float" their own above the rest... when it was needed.
The crowd was a mixture of caucasians (20%) and mostly Filipinos, but of course!
The Madrigal ladies were dressed in their bright orange Phil. gowns, while the men wore their greyish Barong. These were their numbers:
Part I:
Pater Noster composed by John Pamintuan, a young Filipino composer, who also watched. I believe this was one of their most recent award winning renditions in a competition in Spain.
Revoici venir du printemps by Claude le Jeune - a secular French song
Jadlied -another French rendition that was about a Hunter's Song.
We Behold Once Again the Stars -from the Divine Comedy of Dante (Inferno Canto)
Kaisa-isa Niya - a children's game song from Maguindanao, southern Philippines which employed foot-stamping, clapping and shouting as part of the music's playful character. This was composed by another young Filipino composer, Nilo Alcala, who also watched that night.
Comme d'Habitude - This sad French song sings of an unrequited love -reworked by Paul Anka in English, famously sung by Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra...commonly known as "My Way." Of course, we all loved this popular rendition.
Paraiso composed by our own Ryan Cayabyab - speaks of a dark and dreary environment where scavengers are free to make what they get from a garbage pile, yet dreaming of hope and paradise. I felt goose bumps on my arms...while this was being sung--Beautiful!
I'm Gonna Let It Shine - An African-American spiritual song popularly known as "This Little Light of Mine."
Part II - during the intermission - people rushed to the lobby to buy CD's which were sold. I bought 2 cds...a little expensive, but worth the price.
Song of Dawn - This rendition made use of "voice layering" -speaks of the beauty of dawn.
Cebuano Medley -A medley of Cebuano folk songs, the most famous of which was " Si Pilimon-" among others.
Hanggang - a love song that was super beautiful --soloed by Wency Cornejo who has a fantastic singing voice.
Love of my Life - widely known as performed by the rock band "Queen" written by Freddy Mercury, the lead vocalist of the group --he has a superb singing high voice one would want him to sing over and over again.!
Ire a Santiago - This was inspired by a Spanish poem sung with rhythmic vitality.
Soul Bossanova - purely instrumental sang in a "jazzy" style - no words---just different sounds of musical instruments by using the Madrigal cacophony of different voices.
Va Lontano (Go the Distance) - This is the theme song from Walt Disney's "Hercules" ...was their last number but the audience shouted "Bravo, Bravo",,,and clamored for more, more.!
Three more songs for their encore---and the final one was so beautiful too---What a Wonderful World...."
We boarded the train at 11:30 ---was home by 1:00 a.m....tired but pleased to have watched this one-day concert.!
I will post one of their cd's here...later!
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