Soprano Rachelle Gerodias assures magical ‘Ngayon Na, Kabataan’ concert
The country’s most soughtafter soprano, Rachelle Gerodias, promises an enjoyable time at the “Ngayon Na, Kabataan” concert today at the Tent City of The Manila Hotel.
In an exclusive interview with she shared what concertgoers could expect at the annual affair.
“I want my audience to be touched, to be moved,” she said. “It’s not just a performance, it’s not just entertainment but music is food for the soul. Our goal as artists is for the audience to come out of the theater not the same person.”
The concert will also feature her husband, Korean baritone Byeong In Park, who trained under
Bulletin Entertainment,
‘Our goal as artists is for the audience to come out of the theater not the same person.’ the great tenor Francisco Araiza at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Stuttgart, Germany; and was even a guest soloist at the Graz Opera Theater, performing roles in “La Boheme,” “Lohengrin,” and
“Hansel And Gretel.” In 2014, he debuted in Singapore via Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte” at The Esplanade Theater.
“Ngayon Na, Kabataan” doubles as a fundraising dinner for future youth-focused projects of the Knights of Rizal.
Young people would also enjoy the concert because of the wellrounded repertoire.
“We also chose a few upbeat songs and familiar melodies. And we’re singing some OPM too,” Rachelle said. “I think even if they’re young (the audience), and even if they’re going to hear these songs for the first time, they will appreciate it because they’re (the songs) all beautiful.”
Later, Rachelle turned more serious.
“We want to educate our public and not just give them songs that they already know, that they’re gonna sing along. (Rather) we want them to appreciate beautiful music, classical music and I think proper exposure will change their attitude towards it.”
The concert will be directed by Freddie Santos, who thinks people should stop using the word “classic” in classifying certain songs.
“Let’s just call them songs you’ve never heard before, so they’re new,” he said in jest.
“Beautiful music is beautiful music at any time of history.”
They actually had a difficult time in finalizing the setlist.
“We want to cater to people who appreciate classics but at the same time, those who will hear the music for the first time. We want them to say, ‘Hey, there’s something magical about them, there’s something mysterious and beautiful.’ That, to us, is important.”
One of the highlights of the concert is “The Prayer,” a duet between Rachelle and guest performer Atty. Joey Lina, former senator and now president of The Manila Hotel.
Other guest performers at the concert are Atty. Mike Toledo, and The Bayanihan, the National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines; with the special participation of Gino Padilla.