Ballet Philippines and National Artist of the Philippines Alice Reyes will open the company’s 49th season with Carmina Burana, the landmark ballet based on the iconic cantata of German composer Carl Orff.
A Landmark Ballet
Originally premiering in Manila in 1974, each stage incarnation of Carmina Burana has always been a highly anticipated event in the local arts scene. Visionary dancer Alice Reyes, who was declared a National Artist of the Philippines in 2014, steps into the shoes of creative director for Ballet Philippines and presents her own version of the iconic show to open Ballet Philippine’s landmark 49th season.
Based on the cantata of German composer Carl Orff, the original Goliardic manuscript was discovered in 1893, but dates back to the 13th century. All 200 poems were published by Johann Andreas Schmeller under the name Carmina Burana. Orff was inspired by the text and chose 24 poems to construct a scenic oratorio around. It resulted into one of the most celebrated and exciting pieces of music every written. The cantata (or a narrative composition with an instrumental accompaniment) was later adapted into a ballet, which many dance masters and company’s have tackled to interpret in their own special way.
Alice Reyes brings Carmina Burana back to the scared stage of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) from September 7 to 9, 2018. Beginning with a quiet silence, the production gradually builds up to a performance of majestic proportions, showcasing bodies exploding with energy, movement and grace.
RELATED READS: Ballet Philippines’ Iconic Carmina Burana is Back on Stage for Their 49th Season (and It Cannot Be Missed)
A Unique Cultural Experience
Ballet Philippines’ Carmina Burana promises a truly unique night out at the theater. Alice Reyes’ masterful choreography is complimented by National Artist Salvador Bernal’s majestic production design, which has been described as a “landscape of rock formations on stage that transports one to another time, space and universe.”
Under the baton of maestro Gerard Salonga, the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany the performance with their haunting rendition of Orff’s musical masterpiece. Mr. Salonga, who recently appeared on Lifestyle Asia’s August 2018 Cover, is one of the country’s most celebrated musical directors, conductors and producers. He has collaborated with numerous top artists including the likes of Cecile Licad, Regine Velasquez, Wang Leehom, Elisa Chan and Lea Salonga. On the other hand, The ABS CBN Philharmonic Orchestra is also highly regarded. They’ve played in countless theaters and arenas for performers such as Andrea Bocelli, Idina Menzel and Ryan Cayabyab.
The Philippine Madrigal Singers, one of the country’s most renowned choirs, have also been commissioned to bring Carl Orff’s cantata to life with their unmatched vocal stylings. Established in 1963 by National Artist Professor Andrea O. Veneracion, the choral is composed of students, faculty and alumni of the different colleges of the University of the Philippines. They have garnered top prizes from competitions around the world, including winning the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing twice (1997 and 2007).
RELATED READS: Lea and Gerard Salonga on Being Famous, Sibling Rivalry, and a Life Filled with Music
Learn History Through Dance
In addition to Carmina Burana, the opening performance of Ballet Philippines’ 49th season will also feature highlights from some of the company’s most beloved works. Brando Miranda’s lively and spirted Vivaldi Concerto returns to the stage after 35 years this season. In addition, Norman Walker’s Seasons of Flight, which first debuted in 1972, is also set to take center stage. Ronelson Yadao, the company’s young and dynamic choreographer, has also staged a new piece for the evening, in celebration of the bright future of dance. “What I am trying to do it present to our new audiences some of our iconic pieces that have not been done for so long…reflecting the company’s tapestry of dance gems,” shares Alice Reyes.
Reyes founded Ballet Philippines in 1969, with the vision of professionalizing dance in the Philippines. The company has a repertoire of over 500 choreographic works, pieces that were created to showcase the true artistry of Filipino performers. Their catalogue ranges from full length-classical ballets, neo-ethnic works, and contemporary dance pieces. Their body of work is often considered unparalleled throughout Asia.
Carmina Burana is running from September 7 to 9, 2018 at the CCP Main Theater. For tickets, call Ballet Philippines at + 632 551 1003, Ticketoworld at +632 891 9999 or go to www.ticketworld.com.ph
Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines
Instagram: @balletphilippines
Youtube: balletphilippines
Website: www.ballet.ph
