Byeong-In Park and Najib Ismail perform at CCP
Renowned Korean baritone Byeong-In Park and pianist Najib Ismail recreate Franz Schubert’s most illustrious song cycle, the 1828 Winterreise, on Oct. 28, Friday, 8 p.m., at the Cultural Center of The Philippines Tanghalang Aurelio Tollentino (Little Theater). Schubert created Winterreise (Winter’s Journey) based on Wilhelm Müller’s poems from The Posthumous Papers of a Travelling
Horn player. Winterreise is a perfect vehicle of musical expression for the male voice and piano, but the scope of its complexity elevates it to the level of a musical drama. In it, a young man, despondent over a spurned love, is forced to travel alone on foot through the bleak wintry landscape. And thus begins the chilling journey of the lovelorn wanderer as he braves the cold night, narrating his plight with song after song. Winterreise is filled with melodies that will inhabit one’s senses.
Byeong-In Park studied with acclaimed tenor Francisco Araiza at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Stuttgart, Germany. Park has been actively carving out his place in the global opera scene, performing in companies in Europe from Germany, Switzerland and Austria and in Asia from Singapore, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Park is collaborating with distinguished pianist Najib Ismail, and the two have prepared an intimate production for their Schubert performance. Staging is by noted Manila director Jaime Del Mundo. Lighting is by award-winning lighting designer John Batalla. Distinguished soprano Rachelle Gerodias-Park will play the role of the Lover/Maiden.
A big part of the proceeds of this concert will go to the Rachelle Gerodias Music Foundation Inc. to support the formal education of underprivileged musicians at the Unida Evangelical Church. Franz Schubert’s Winterreise is presented by CCP in cooperation with The Clarion Chamber Ensemble and 98.7 FM DZFE “The Masters Touch,” and sponsored by Sorok Uni Foundation, Rustan’s Inc., Lacoste, Radisson Blu Cebu, Nutriasia, Jose Marie Chan, George Yang, Archion Architects, and Atty. Antonio Pastor.
For ticket inquiries, call the CCP Box Office (832-3704) or Ticketworld (891-9999).
Ticket Prices are at P800 and P600 with a 50 percent discount to students and 20 percent discount to senior citizens.