A feast of
culture in Bacolod

Last week was a virtual feast of classical songs in Bacolod with the various performances of international opera tenor, Abdul Candao, a Filipino singing sensation who has made a name for himself in Europe and other parts of the world. With him were the famous Espina sisters, soprano Nenen Espina and piano virtuoso Mary Ann Espina. They first performed at the Grand Regal Hotel during the VMA Global College’s “One Enchanted Evening” formal dinner where the students came in long evening gowns for the ladiesand suits for the gentlemen.

John Orola and Dr. Elizabeth Salabas welcomed the guests who enjoyed the mini-concert of the three artists for the young audience. It was the first time for most of them to hear classical songs performed by the opera singers, and they were absolutely spellbound.

The next evening was the full concert at the Diocesan Cultural Center for the benefit of the Sacred Heart Seminary under the sponsorship of Circulo de Bacolod.Bacolod’s music lovers filled the venue, eager to hear an international opera star perform in person. With the opening number,“Habanera” from the opera Carmen, the audience could feel themselves drawn under a magical spell.

The pleasure heightened with the spine-tingling voices of Candao and Espina as they performed “Dein ist Mein Ganzes Hertz” from Land of Smiles, “Memory” from Cats, “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera, “This is the Moment” from Jekyll and Hyde and so many more unspeakably beautiful songs that were applauded rapturously.Classical Filipino songs like “Bituing Marikit”,“Mutya ng Pasig” , “Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak” and others, elicited raves from the audience.

What a brilliant performance! Bravo! Bravissimo!*