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‘Opera at Kundiman: The Legacy of Maestra Conching Rosal’ brings opera, kundiman, and patriotic music together in a Tagalog-centered tribute at the FEU Auditorium
Entering the FEU Auditorium on Sept. 1 was like stepping through a time portal. Though delayed by severe weather past its original Buwan ng Wika date, the rescheduled showcase, Opera at Kundiman: The Legacy of Maestra Conching Rosal, transformed the classic architectural marvel into a dreamlike vessel for time travel.
Encased within the hall’s timeless grandeur, the academe and music lovers from all walks of life were collectively transported back to the exact eras when these masterpieces were born.
The spellbinding journey began in the middle of the 20th century as mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariposa commanded the stage in a Tagalized rendition of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen.”
Paired with tenor Arthur Espiritu’s soaring high notes, the duo resurrected the very production that launched Maestra Conching Rosal’s career 70 years ago. Hearing the world-class dramatic power of opera delivered strictly in Tagalog wrapped the audience in an intoxicating, surreal nostalgia, proving that the native tongue holds unlimited artistic power.
As the opera moved into classic Kundiman and patriotic anthems, the illusion of time travel deepened. Soprano Rachelle Gerodias-Park brought listeners to tears with her mournful rendition of Nicanor Abelardo’s 1926 “Mutya ng Pasig,” while baritone Byeong In Park moved the hall with Francisco Santiago’s “Pakiusap.”
Behind them, the majestic Manila Symphony Orchestra, the FEU Chorale, and the FEU Dance Company wove a breathtaking tapestry of sound and movement that elevated every emotion.
The seamless synergy between the legendary orchestra, rich vocal harmonies, and expressive dance turned classic compositions into living, breathing histories.
The emotional voyage reached its peak as all four soloists joined voices with the FEU Chorale and the orchestra for a stirring finale of “Bayan Ko” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal.”
As the audience rose for a roaring standing ovation, the boundaries between past and present completely dissolved. It was more than a delayed celebration of the national language—it was a spellbinding night where music preserved our heritage, ensuring Maestra Conching Rosal’s legacy endures across generations. — Hemmady S. Mora
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Credit belongs to: www.manilastandard.net
