Mark November 22-27 on your calendars, because that’s when this year’s National Music Competition for Young Artists (Namcya) will take place. This year’s theme is “Musika at Sayaw: Dangal ng Lahi.”
Despite the country’s vaunted superiority in music, there’s still much to be desired. The competition has been discovering artists for 38 years, but in spite of the likes of Cecile Licad, Rowena Arrieta, Jaime and Ramon Bolipata, Raul Sunico, Antonio Maigue, and other products of Namcya, our gains have been few and far between.
Chair Veronica Tapia Merk admits that the foremost problem is funding. Proper training isn’t easily acquired by those not from the National Capital Region (NCR). “Quality instruction entails high costs,” she explains.
However, one of the group’s successful programs has been that of training the trainors. Master classes and workshops are held during the off-competition season in key cities. Another gain is the surge in the popularity of choral singing.
The number of participants has also increased: More than 1,600 are competing this year in the choir, solo banduria, voice, traditional music ensemble, marimba, piano and dance categories.
Considerations like poverty, earning a living and education have always taken precedence over culture. So, how can an artist serve both the stomach and the soul? It has been suggested that focusing on the most popular categories could be the solution to the problem. Call 551-5191, or visit www.namcya.org.ph.