More Than Madrigals

It was 39 minutes past seven in the evening. From the cab that I took from EDSA Shrine after serving the 6 pm mass, I finally arrived at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Indeed, this edifice has become the piece of history that the Philippines will be always proud of. CCP houses the line of culture only the Philippines can behold and cherish; the art, the memorabilia of history and of course, the world class performers and artist that made the world 'whoa!'.

The night closes in as the CCP lobby was packed with the audience who are about to watch the Philippine Madrigal Singers in their concert entitled 'More Than Madrigals'. The concert title itself is too catchy to miss the show indeed.

I was at the CCP lobby and grabbed a copy of the programme repertoire and then strolled to enjoy the scenes from the pre show. Its a cute crowd,i even saw one of the choirs that we used to watch with the rest of the pulseans. On my left hand are two center balcony tickets (can't afford the lower boxes, too costly! Well, that is, if I won't have to treat someone), one for me and one for Richard, the choirmaster and trainor of the PATTS Universal League of Singing Enthusiasts. One the right hand is the pamphlet for the show. Reading the pamphlet, I see that the MADZ will be joined by their former colleagues from the University of the Philippines to grace the show. And these former colleagues have made their own mark into a number of international voice competitions, so what else could we expect?

But then, there is someone missing... Richard

Its five minutes to 8 pm, and he is still nowhere in sight. The gates are about to be closed. Like me, he also came from a mass service at Parañaque. He's asked me for the tickets to pay him for my dues to him. Now, I have to get inside so I could save the seats I reserved. I took the elevators to proceed to the topmost box.

As I entered the auditorium, the soft siren that starts the program. After the no-cellphones reminder, then the national anthem was sung. The curtains are up and...

Whoa, MADZ in scattered position! Its looks very weird and unsual for me to see my favorite choir to be in a position other than the usual semi-circle stance, but then, it only show how they can be versatile. What do we expect from a world-acclaimed choir anyway?

Richard came texting me that he arrives after the second score so I have to step out of the auditorium to fetch him, we nearly missed the third performance. Grr...

Overall, the show themes on different classical music, mostly scores from operas and musicals, ranging from Mozart to West Side Story to Momma Mia.

It was a usual thing for the classical whores to hear these music through orchestras and operas. But with this show, MADZ made another feat to perform these pieces with their vocal prowess, aided with the Sonata String Ensemble.

A few scores to catch my ears are as follows:

Der Holle Rache (from Die Zauberflote) - as the Coloratura Soprano, Ma. Cristina Viguilla-Navarro hits the break-necking high notes of this pitch, something hit me. I know this piece, I've heard it once before, I know... Ow, yes, Miss Congeniality! This is the talent of one of the contestants there, remember? I think its Miss North Carolina, I'm not sure...

I Feel Pretty (from West Side Story) - this piece scored laughter from the audience as they sung and dance to the tune of the song. Not even the choirmaster was spared from the dancing that is. Hahahaha.

Bituing Marikit (from Dakilang Punlo) - such a captivating rendition. Nakakainlove kasi eh. The vocals and the soloist marks an A+ for me here.

March of the Toreadors (from Carmen) - I could still remember this piece played during a graduation recessional. Cool...

Somewhere (from West Side Story) - a very familiar piece, I sung this once, and scored an applause, from the schoolmates of course.

ABBA Medley (from Mamma Mia) - hey, who's never familiar with the hits of ABBA anyway? You're missing a lot in your life if you do. Or else, you're just old enough. You know how to sing Dancing Queen, Winner Takes It All, Money Money, Take A Chance On Me; and with Sir Mark's Thank You for the Music, it made the audience clapped and sing to the tune in joy.

Minsan Ang Minahal Ay Ako (from Katy)- a personal favorite. Ang ganda ng arrangement. Nakakatindig balahibo. I love the song and how they perform it. There's something in the song at hinahap-hanap ko ang lyrics. Way to go MADZ!

After the show, as much as the audience shouting "More! More!", the show has to end, but is, with a standing ovation. Not surprising though, because they're good, oh, great, that is.

And of course, after the show, we took a few pictures....

Yours truly with Miss Marivic Llamas, MADZ soprano.

And of course, the shot of a lifetime...

Yours truly with the MADZ Choirmaster himself, Mr. Mark Anthony Carpio!!