Cheek to cheek
Initially branded an unholy concept, the first Aegis and PPO show at the CCP proved they are a match made in heaven – and here they go again
‘We are going to up the ante, we want to surprise our audiences. Magkakabulagaan.
Most can tell you this without being prejudiced: The average jeepney-riding, tsinelas-clad denizen does not prefer performances at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), least of all if by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). For many of them, these two names mean one thing and that is high brow-art reserved for the erudite elite. Run for the hills? Well, not today.
CCP and PPO are restaging “Aegis In Symphony, Symphonic Aegis: The Repeat, Hugot Pa More!” at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo Theater, 8 p.m. and the show is expected to be a runaway hit. Initially branded by some an unholy concept with a smirk thinking the Pinoy pop rock band would be out of place in such setting like fish out of water, it actually drew a big audience when it was first staged atthe same venue November last year.
“They loved it that’s why we’re bringing them back,” said Ariel Yonzon, Production and Exhibition Manager at the CCP who is also directing the show. “Ticket sales were phenomenal at mixed ’yung crowd na pumunta.” “Aegis In Symphony, Symphonic Aegis: The Repeat, Hugot Pa More!” features classical symphonies and the popular rock band’s original music back-to-back then in synergy in select numbers.
So do they expect people to shout “Bravo!” with hanky in one hand, or “More!” as they stand on chairs?
“Mas madali i-please ang crowd ng Aegis,” Yonzon said. “They were actually screaming the first time like it was the usual rock concert. It was wild. ’Yung mga classical people naman, parang huge shock sa kanila nu’ng umpisa but they soon got it and enjoyed the ride, too.”
Successful as it was, Yonzon and company are not sticking to the same repertoire for the repeat. He hinted that one gap during the concert will be a “showdown” of sorts between Aegis and the PPO under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo G. Ranera.
“We are going to up the ante and surprise the audience. Magkakabulagaan.” Of course, because the show falls on the love month, there will be oodles of love songs. “Magko-cover sila ng classic love songs na rock pero may orchestra,” Yonzon added.
Other highlights include a special number involving actor-singer Arman Ferrer and internationally renowned concert pianist Raul Sunico, who has arranged a special “rockestral” musical number to be sung by Aegis. Eep.
“The aim is to suspend disbelief of concertgoers if only for a while na tipong ‘Ah, may ganito pala sa CCP,’” said Yonzon who revealed they have long wanted to stage crossover concertos involving pop stars and the PPO. “Aegis was a good choice kasi nga ’di ba they kind of got reincarnated through Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) ‘Rak Of Aegis.’ Pero truth be told marami din kaming ibang binalak like si Sharon (Cuneta) pero kasi naging busy na siya with TV ulit. We also thought of Lani Misalucha pero ang hirap makasingit sa schedule niya,” shared Yonzon.
“Basically, we (CCP) are re-investing our resources in a way na ma-tap namin din ’yung masa. Kasi part din nang mandate namin na i-avoid ’yung stereotype na staid or formal ang CCP. Actually we have different kinds of shows catering to the college market, the yuppies, ’yung mga millennials... we try to serve yes, everyone mababago pero ang hindi mo naman perception overnight but we’re hopeful (to do it slowly).”
If “Aegis In Symphony, Symphonic Aegis: The Repeat, Hugot Pa More!” continues with its winning streak, Yonzon said, “Maybe pwede ding i-tour across the country.”
He revealed there could also be a recording on the way.
“We have recorded the first performance so baka we could come out with an album,” he said.
The concert is presented by The CCP Complex Employees Organization (CCPCEO) with the support of the CCP and Harbour Square. For details, visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph. (With report from Jojo P. Panaligan)