(Conclusion)
To be sure, Espiritu isn’t the first one to make a big splash in Europe.
Soprano Evelyn Mandac sang with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in one Salzburg festival production of Marriage of Figaro. Violinist Carmencita Lozada was a violin sensation in the 60s to the 70s and at one time winning the top five places in the two editions of the Paganini competitions in Italy. Otoniel Gonzaga sang for many seasons at the Frankfurt Opera in the 80s. At one time, pianist Cecile Licad found herself playing the Rachmaninoff Second Concerto one weekend with a Russian woman performing it in another German venue.
The verdict: German music critics raved over the interpretation of Licad.
After singing in Europe for many years after his La Scala debut, the Filipino tenor finds German audiences and critics as mostly very kind and generous. “There is a certain respect for performing artists. They are more honest and can differ in opinion. Generally speaking, they are a bit more gracious. It is the same all over except on how they view performing artists notably opera singers. It is a legitimate profession compared to some American and Asian cities. If you apply for a certain account whether federal or city or private, the job category of (Kunstler) or Artist is a template.”
At the moment, the tenor’s schedule is a whirlwind. After his Theater Lubeck debut Nov. 17, he has more performances of the same opera on December 14, 2023 to January 21, February 16, 24, March 10, April 20 up to May 9, 2024. He will be busy up to 2025 with lead roles in Faust, La Boheme and Lucia di Lammermoor.
In between his European engagements, he will perform at Canto Cafe in Baguio City on Saturday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. and at the Manila Pianos on Saturday, 7 p.m. Dec. 9, 2023.
On February 24, 2024, he returns to Oper Leipzig as Edgardo in Donizetti’s Lucia de Lammermoor with more performances on March 3, 13, 24 to April 26, 2024.
Commuting between Manila and Baguio City after his Theater Lubeck debut in Germany, he observes health protocol commuting from cold to tropical country. “Usually when you have cold weather in Europe, one can always use warm garments and protective clothing to tackle the cold and the dryness with a simple hot shower or steam treatment. In tropical weather, you have to adjust because of the air conditioning system used. Over here, they don’t use air conditioning, but the cold weather of course dries your skin. In tropical weather, it is humid and therefore good for the skin but not so good with singing. You have to protect yourself when sweating. You have to change clothes often so you won’t get sick when you get exposed to the cold air conditioning systems of most establishments in tropical weather countries. But, since climate change has been affecting European countries, I see more and more air conditioners being installed. Summers have been warmer lately.”
The need for at least one-week rest after European engagements he realized when he sang in Science City of Munoz in Nueva Ecija in February this year.
He noticed his throat drying up even as he found out the acoustics of the provincial venue is not so good. “I should have rested for a week after singing in Germany,” he confided.
Moreover, he loved his provincial audiences after being confined in cosmopolitan cities for many years.
Like his audience reception at the University of the Philippines Iloilo where he received three standing ovations along with pianist GJ Frias and same reception in Nueva Ecija.
The tenor observes: “Filipino audiences are so supportive and energetic when it comes to behavior. They are so empathetic and gracious. They really know how to appreciate an artist.”
In Baguio City (Dec. 2) and at the Manila Pianos concert (December 9), the tenor will sing with soprano Stefanie Quintin with pianist Mariel Ilusorio.
Said he of Ilusorio as collaborating pianist: “Mariel is such a wonderful pianist. She brings in so much colors in her playing. She compliments you with so much freedom in expressing yourself. Whatever the instrument she is playing with, she manages to observe your singing or playing and tries to figure out how she can be better during practice sessions. She has inputs that add to the performance sense of honesty about her playing and also her collaborative partners. She’s very sensitive and very intelligent and very musical and honest with her intentions.”
Is it true that singing also reveals the singer’s character?
“If you sing from the heart, yes of course. You have to open up your heart. It takes away a lot from you as a performer but you know that you have done a good job when you have executed the role, the poetry, the novel, and the story accurately. Sometimes it’s hard to see as an audience member, but if you reach those who have particular ears and senses, you know it’s a good performance. Some audiences look for impressive and entertaining performances, some look for depth and meaning, some look for inspirations, and some look for overall performance appraisals. But, what do we know? We just have to sing with our hearts and share it with the audience. After all, art is the reflection of the human condition. It is there to tell our story as human beings.”
His singing schedule being what it is, he can only wish the basic things this coming Christmas. “I only need time with family and friends and celebrating it with your loved ones. Gifts are overrated. It is the spirit of family, friendship, and love for our maker that really count.”
Sixteen years after his La Scala debut in 2007, it is unthinkable how far he has gone.
In Morong, Rizal where he was born and before he discovered opera, Espiritu was hooked on 90’s alternative rock, some NSync, Ballads, and some Bon Jovi, Dream Theater and U2, his favorite bands. “I really like all kinds of music. I am not one person who would limit my taste of music to only one genre. I like the idea of variety,”
(For tickets to Dec. 2 Baguio City engagement and the Dec. 9 Manila Pianos concert of Arthur Espiritu at Ronac Lifestyle Center, Paseo de Magallanes, Magallanes Village, Makati City, call 09065104270 or email: artsnewsservice@gmail.com)