Cover Anya Lagman, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the Manila Philharmonic
Orchestra in their element
Anya Lagman, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra in their element
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Los Angeles-trained musician and composer Anya Lagman performs at The Goldenberg’s first-ever musical, cultural show
Salon music and Spanish tertulias in old Europe inspired Pagsibol, the Goldenberg Mansion’s first musical and cultural event, last July 22, 2023. The concept is virtuosi and composers envisioned to perform in a living room or intimate space in the Mansion, but for its initial rendering, the venue was the Malacañang Palace.
“I am honoured to be the first composer and musician for this musical series,” says Anya Lagman, who completed a repertoire of her original compositions and covers at the concert together with members of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philippine Madrigal Singers. “It is also a true honour to have both esteemed groups who have put Filipino music on the map performing my works for the first time.”
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Above Anya Lagman with her parents, Charmaine and Mike Lagman
Anya Lagman with her parents, Charmaine and Mike Lagman
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According to Anya, Pagsibol is an incredibly culturally rich concert that celebrates OPM music as well as the people who have shaped her journey as a composer and musician. “The project originated from the First Lady Louise ‘Liza’ Araneta-Marcos’ interest in having me perform at the Goldenberg Mansion,” she adds.
Above First lady Liza Marcos with the Lagman family: Elijah, Mike, Anya, Charmaine, and Mica
First lady Liza Marcos with the Lagman family: Elijah, Mike, Anya, Charmaine, and Mica
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The works performed are “significant” for Anya because each pays tribute to Filipino culture. “For instance, the choral piece I Am Mother is dedicated to OFW women living in Hong Kong. It is an honour to have my music brought to life in the Philippines as it gives more meaning to the piece and its inspiration,” she says.
Charmaine also played a vital part in the two-week preparation for the concert. She assembled a committed production team to assist in the event, planned the beautiful sit-down dinner and invited the guests. Plus, Anya’s tireless efforts in coordinating the arrangements for the MPO and the Philippine Madrigal Singers spelt the concert’s success.
Above The first lady with Charmaine and Karen Santos
Above The evening’s beautiful
table setup
The first lady with Charmaine and Karen Santos
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Pagsibol does not only apply to the composer’s musical journey. “It symbolises the future of Filipino music and culture,” she explains. “This concert is a step in the right direction for our collective future”.
Above Anton Mendoza, Amb Tull Traisorat, Amb Hoang Huy Chung, Amb Agus and Ranny Widjojo
Above Sheila Romero
and Geewel Fuster
Anton Mendoza, Amb Tull Traisorat, Amb Hoang Huy Chung, Amb Agus and Ranny Widjojo
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Anya said this would not have been possible without the administration’s support. “I am determined to bring Filipino culture with me not only as I share my works with the world, but also—and most importantly—with my home country that shaped my musical identity and made me the artist I am today.”
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
