Exciting fusion in LA musical ‘fiesta’

“SAYAWIT” showcases remarkable range and talent of acclaimed choristers.

LOS ANGELES—The Philippine Chamber Singers-Los Angeles (PCS-LA), which had the honor of singing “Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony” with other top choirs in Gustavo Dudamel’s conducting debut as the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will present a concert, “SayAwit,” on Sept. 9 at LA’s Ford Amphitheatre.

Described as a fusion of Philippine traditional and contemporary music and dance, “SayAwit” showcases the remarkable range and talent of the PCS-LA, which debuted in 2007 at the American Choral Directors Association’s 24th Biennial National Convention in Miami, Florida. The choir, led by its artistic director, Gelo Francisco, has won acclaim for its performances.

Bernardo Bernardo directs and narrates the show, which features a lineup of guest artists who include Miguel Vera and Jon Jon Briones, both now based in LA.

In Bernardo’s words, “‘SayAwit’ is a musical fiesta, a celebration of the Filipino as a performer, his desire to live for the moment, to enjoy life, and to sing and dance!”

“I thought the Philippine Chamber Singers of Los Angeles were taking a risk when they asked me to direct their concert,” Bernardo admitted. “For one thing, I cannot stand singers who stand ramrod straight throughout a performance—even if they do have heavenly voices. Thankfully, Gelo agreed with me—a pure sound is for CDs. An engaging theatrical experience requires more; aside from delightful voices, there should be life, energy, movement, lights and colors, with a touch of drama, spectacle, novelty and humor.”

Extravaganzas

Bernardo continued, “It’s right up my musical alley: I grew up watching Don Jose Zarah’s Clover Theater extravaganzas. However, the planned content of the show was essentially an ambitious attempt to showcase the evolution of Philippine music—from the chants and songs of indigenous tribes of Northern and Southern Philippines to more contemporary Filipino music, as influenced by the colonizers of the archipelago throughout the centuries. But, with limited budget and rehearsal time, I decided to simplify.”

Content

The award-winning performer explained, “I took my cue from a word that frequently cropped up during preproduction—‘fusion’—of Western forms, Pinoy content and OFW talents. Truth is, musical fusion could  easily turn to ‘confusion,’ especially if I allowed myself and the audience to be overwhelmed by the disparate elements. I decided to shoehorn a storyline to help string together the series of ethnic songs that offer glimpses of pre-Hispanic Filipino culture. A story that could help the audience appreciate the world of the anito, babaylan, the animistic worshippers of nature, and the journey of a people who valued the ‘kalooban’ or inner core of being that interconnects everyone.”

Gelo said “SayAwit” “is a must-see, because it breaks away from traditional song-and-dance shows. It’ll be interesting to see how the show will turn out with a comedian, a choir, stage musical artists, a classical conductor and dancers who are multiracial.” The artistic team includes Bernardo, musical director Bob Shroder and choreographer Peter de Guzman.

Francisco adds, “We have different takes and twists on Philippine culture and history. With Bernardo narrating, that will make the show more unpredictable—and it will keep the audience guessing!”

Apple Nazareno, an alto in the choir, added, “‘SayAwit’ won’t be presented in the usual choral-concert format. It can be likened to musical theater.”

On the dance aspects of the show, alto Christine Macalalad quipped, “Yes, we’ll have movement, because the show also showcases experienced dancers, under Peter’s choreography.”

Christine shared some of her favorite numbers in the show: “My top favorite would be  ‘Gabaq-An,’ an avant-garde Visayan song that has been sung in competitions. I also love ‘Aba Po Santa Mariang Reyna,’ Ryan Cayabyab’s Tagalog version of ‘Hail, Holy Queen.’ It’s so solemn!”

Preparation

We asked Gelo what it was like for the PCS-LA to sing with the LA Master Chorale and other choirs in that historic conducting debut of Gustavo Dudamel. He exclaimed, “It was electric! It was an experience of a lifetime—from preparation to concert night.”

He revealed another honor for the PCS-LA: “We’ve been invited to sing again with not only 100 singers, but 800 choristers—this time, with two orchestras, namely the LA Phil and the Simon Bolivar Orchestra. Dubbed ‘Symphony of a Thousand,’ the show will be staged at the Shrine Auditorium on Feb. 4 next year. We’re very honored! ”

According to Apple, PCS-LA began in 2004. “Several friends, mostly from different choirs from the Philippines, got together in LA and decided to sing for weddings and other events,” she recalled. “Membership was mostly by invitation only. The choir has evolved into the roughly 23 choir members that it has today, and the common link is our love of music.”

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