Cover The newly-renovated Centro de Turismo in Intramuros offers a refreshing overview of Philippine colonial history, a library, gallery space, and a reading room (Photo: Jinggo Montenejo)
The newly-renovated Centro de Turismo in Intramuros offers a refreshing overview of Philippine colonial history, a library, gallery space, and a reading room (Photo: Jinggo Montenejo)
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Featuring a stellar team to bring life anew to the beloved works of Francis Poulenc, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Intramuros Evenings this November 12 is a must-see musical spectacle
The “Walled City” is once again poised to transform into a beacon of high artistry as the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Intramuros Administration (IA) unveil the third, arguably the most anticipated, installation of their Intramuros Evenings series. Set for November 12 at 7pm, this free-of-charge, one-night only spectacle at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros promises to be an extraordinary showcase of Filipino talent.
The evening’s programme is a sophisticated tribute to the French composer Francis Poulenc, featuring the hauntingly beautiful Aubade Concerto and the riveting monodrama La Voix Humaine (The Human Voice).
Above Poster of the one-night-only production of ‘La Voix Humaine’ by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Intramuros
Poster of the one-night-only production of ‘La Voix Humaine’ by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Intramuros
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The proceedings will commence with Aubade, originally conceived as a ballet but now performed as a chamber concerto for piano and 18 instruments. Guiding this exquisite blend of 18th-century neoclassicism and 20th-century French style will be the former CCP president and world-renowned pianist Raul Sunico. He will be accompanied by the accomplished University of Santo Tomas Symphony Orchestra (USTSO), ensuring a captivating and harmonically rich start to the evening.
The emotional core of the evening, La Voix Humaine, is a powerful one-act monodrama. It centres on the protagonist, Elle, as she engages in a series of fragmented and poignant phone calls, exchanging final goodbyes with her former lover.
Josie Natori
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Bringing this raw study of heartbreak to life is the Filipina soprano Armela Fortuna. Her voice, supported by the USTSO’s resonating harmonies, promises an unforgettable performance under the expert baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.
A performance of this calibre demands a stellar creative team, and this production is a magnificent confluence of Filipino artistic royalty, including multiple recipients of the prestigious Gawad CCP Para sa Sining.
The vision is steered by the 2020 Gawad CCP recipient Nonon Padilla as its director. The remarkable Gino Gonzales, a 2024 Gawad CCP recipient known for his sophisticated repurposing of local materials, takes charge of the set design. The historic walls of Intramuros will be expertly decorated by the masterful lighting of Monino Duque, who is both a recipient of the Gawad CCP and a current trustee of the esteemed cultural institution. Adding to the visual spectacle, the works of the late projection and video designer GA Fallarme will also illuminate this special production. This is one of Fallarme’s final works before his passing last October.
Read more: Luminaries and legacies: inside the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining 2024 awards night
Above A scene from ‘Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon’, the second of CCP’s Intramuros Evenings
Above Poster for the Serenata ng Banda, the first of CCP’s Intramuros Evenings
A scene from ‘Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon’, the second of CCP’s Intramuros Evenings
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In a dazzling fusion of high fashion and opera, world-renowned Filipino fashion designer Josie Natori has generously lent her elegance and creative touch to the costume design. Natori will dress the soprano performer, transforming the stage into an opulent gallery where music and sensuality intertwine.
Behind the curtain, the seamless flow of music and visual art is guaranteed by a dedicated team, including production manager Nikki Garde-Torres, technical director Louie Alcoran, and a team of meticulous stage managers.
This third event in the Intramuros Evenings series—following Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon? and Serenata ng Banda—cements the longstanding commitment of the CCP and IA to immerse the Filipino community in world-class opera and theatre.
Seating for this exclusive cultural immersion is on a first-come, first-served basis. One would be remiss to miss this stellar staging of Filipino artistry.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
