Let’s face it.
Watching a concert is a constant struggle.
In Metro Manila, you cope with bad traffic and high prices and unsteady income, rescued once in a while by special projects and special talents lifting you from despair and ignominy.
A recent break from a world going mad is the debut recital of tenor Arthur Espiritu with soprano Jade Riccio and pianist Mariel Ilusorio at the MiraNila Heritage House in Cubao.
MiraNila reminds me of Nelly Garden in Iloilo City with its 1930s abode and an equally ancient Steinway piano. Thanks to piano tuner Danny Lumabi, the 1904 Steinway at MiraNila sounded fresh and indeed in good condition.
That piano has seen historic days. It was there that Mrs. Rosario Licad (mother of Cecile Licad) taught piano to the Benitez children. Alas, the Benitez children, now all grown up and fulfilled in other fields, admitted they were all destined for great things except in the field of music.
Before the concert, my second book, Encounters in the Arts, was on display and music lovers and members of the diplomatic corps took turns buying a copy. I asked the tenor to sign the pages where his journey to opera from Manila to La Scala is described in great details.
As for the concert itself, it was a big relief from the madness of Donald Trump and the fate of Rodrigo Duterte and the people who continue to adore them. You remember the film, It’s A Mad, Mad World and indeed how apt the movie still is as it applies to the present time.
The concert started with two Faure numbers, then familiar Lehar pieces and always the tenor was a standout. He stuns in art songs and still dazzles in operetta numbers.
Still and all, pianist Ilusorio was in complete rapport with the tenor and the soprano. Ricco reached out to the audience offering roses in the Lehar operetta number.
As expected, Espiritu dazzled in his signature number Che gelida manina from La Boheme while Riccio was a sweet Juliet in the Gounod favorite.
There was a respite from opera ang art songs in the Broadway duet from Phantom of the Opera.
Alas, the concert has to end with the apt Con te partiro and the ravishing Neapolitan number, Non ti scordar di me.
It was a great night for music. Indeed, artists have the big role in uplifting music lovers perennially deluged with bad news.
As I write this, I am all set to attend the class reunion (CNHS Class 66) in Virac on May 2-4. I said yes at once. I know that this is the last time I will see classmates alive and probably the last time I will be in good health.
Music has played a significant part in my growing up and I am glad I am still alive to share them with people from different generations.
The celebrated Cecile Licad will perform with PPO at the Met September 24 after which she proceeds to Baguio Country Club Sept. 27, at the Pinto Gallery Sept. 28, MiraNila Oct. 1 and later in Iloilo and Catanduanes middle of October.