Maestro Fabio Armiliato with Woody Allen and Judy Davis in a scene from the 2013 comedy film ‘To Rome with Love’
The announcement was made aptly in the historic Osmena Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts. There, four leading advocates of Philippine culture met with the media, namely, Cultural Center of the Philippines vice chairman Margie Moran-Floirendo, CCP chairman Jaime C. Laya, CCP president Kaye C. Tinga, Irene Marcos-Araneta, and the soprano Camille Lopez-Molina. They gathered to convey the exciting news: esteemed Italian operatic tenor Maestro Fabio Armiliato will come to Manila to lead a masterclass series entitled Progreto Puccini 2024.
The movers behind ‘Progeto Puccini’ with three of the participants of the masterclass: first row: soprano Camille Lopez-Molina, CCP president Kaye C. Tinga, and ‘Progreto Puccini’executive producer Irene Marcos-Araneta. Second row: bass baritone Roby Malubay, sopranos Myramae Meneses and Anna Migallos
To be held at Metropolitan Theater in Manila from October 1 to 4, Progreto Puccini 2024 is organized by the CCP, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, the Metropolitan Theater, the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NMCYA), and the Arturo Toscanini Foundation.
This mentorship will bring together some of the most internationally acclaimed teachers and promising Filipino opera singers who will have the opportunity to refine their vocal technique, Italian diction, and interpretation, among others. The masterclass culminates with a recital celebrating the revered Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, on October 5 also at Metropolitan Theater. Audiences will get to hear and witness what the students have learned from the Maestro.
Mrs. Araneta, executive producer of Progreto Puccini 2024, described the masterclass as “a bold celebration of the rich cultural synergy” between the Philippines and Italy. “It is affirmation of our country’s commitment to the Filipino musicians,” she added.
Mrs. Tinga said the endeavor “brings together world-class maestros to nurture and develop Filipino musicians…. Progreto Puccini is a vital step in showcasing Philippine artistry and opera excellence, and we look forward to the many opportunities this collaboration will inspire,” she said.
Mrs. Tinga noted that Maestro Armiliato is known as a Master Teacher and distinguished operatic tenor. He has impressed audiences and critics with his vocal range and tall and imposing stage presence. Born in Genoa, Italy, in 1956, he has performed at the Teatro alla Scala where he starred in Madama Butterfly. He also starred in Il travatore, and later Aida at Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Armiliato also had a stint in Hollywood when he was cast in a movie written and directed by Woody Allen. In the 2012 comedy, To Rome with Love, Armiliato played a mortician who can sing with an extraordinary operatic voice, but only when he’s in the shower. The film also starred Allen, Judy Davis, Penelope Cruz, and Alec Baldwin.
Joining Maestro Armiliato in the sessions is noted musical director, vocal teacher, and conductor Mariano Panico, diction coach Lorna Zaccaria, and accompanist and musical director John Florencio.
Among the organizers of the series is the distinguished Filipina soprano Camille Lopez-Molina. In an interview with Thediarist.ph, Ms. Lopez Molina said that Maestro Armiliato had been shown a video that contained a performance showcase of some of the country’s promising young opera singers. He was impressed with the Filipino opera singers and gave word that he was very eager to hold a masterclass in Manila.
“It’s high time that we showed the world that the Philippines has its own share of world-class opera singers,” said Ms. Lopez-Molina. The masterclass, she reported, has accepted only 15 participants because a masterclass requires the master to focus on each student who will be required to perform a song. The master would then offer advice on how to refine the performance and perhaps discuss the back-story of the opera, and also a background on the composer.
“The chosen ones were the NAMCYA winners and the upcoming opera singers from Viva Voce’s production of La Boheme. Each participant had gone through rigorous auditions,” she said.
Ms. Lopez-Molina, however, assured that opera students from the universities and conservatories, aspiring classical singers, and connoisseurs of opera are welcome to observe the sessions.
Soprano Anna Migallos sings ‘Ch’il bel signo’ from Puccini’s ‘La Rondine.’
Bass baritone Roby Malubay performs ‘Vecchi zimarra’ from ‘La Boheme.’
Soprano Myramae Meneses sings ‘Un bel di vedremo’ from ‘Madama Butterfly.’
Three of the chosen participants were on hand at the media conference and sang the works of Puccini. Soprano Anna Migallos performed Ch’il bel sogno from La Rondine; bass baritone Robby Malubay who sang Vecchia zimarra from La Boheme, and soprano Myramae Meneses who did Un bel di vedremo from Madama Butterfly.
Ms. Meneses told Thediarist.ph that the masterclass is a great opportunity for Filipino opera singers. “I’m excited and looking forward to it, and no, I’m not nervous about it all,” she said.
