THESE PIPES ARE SMOKIN'!It's the next best thing to time travel in the City of Manila. Come listen to the 18th century come alive as the San Agustin Museum holds it's 7th San Agustin International Music Festival starting today, November 22, 23 and 24. This three-day musical event will feature the hottest in local and international sacred and classical musicians as the church's organ celebrates it's 190th year. Featured artists for this year’s edition of the music festival are Spanish organist Jose Luis Echechipia, the multi-awarded Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, and noted Filipino vocal and instrumental soloists.
The Barcelona-based musician opens the Festival on Nov. 22, as he plays the 18th century works by Heredia, Cabezon, Aranxo, Sola specially composed for the 18th-century Baroque church organ. He will also perform works by Handel with Reynato Resurrecion Jr., principal oboist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. The multiawarded UST singers under the direction of Prof. Fidel Calalang perform in the second part of the concert with their rendition of works by Rutter, Biebel, Laurisden, Stroope, Weimer, Filipino composer Ryan Cayabyab and two Negro Spirituals by Hogan. On November 23, Echechipia and Resurreccion return to render a different set of classical compositions specially arranged for the organ and the oboe. For the second part, the internationally-acclaimed Philippine Children’s Choir from Mandaluyong, directed by Sebastian Trinidad, premieres sacred works by Filipino composer Alejandro Consolacion. The three-day festival draws to a close on November 24, with a performance at the organ by Echechipia, followed by the Ateneo College Glee Club and the MSO Chamber Orchestra conducted by Prof. Malou Hermo performing John Rutter’s “Magnificat” in celebration of the forthcoming Yuletide season. Featured soloist is Filipino soprano Katrina Saporsantos. All shows start promptly at eight pm.
Tickets are available at the gates of the museum at P500, P300 and P100. For more information, call 527 4060 527 4061 or 526 6794. Thank you manalang.com for the photo and to Malaya and the Manila Times for the details.
