It is not often that one gets to perform before the likes of Diether Ocampo, Mark Bautista, and Tuesday Vargas. The Filipino Voice Symphony (FVS) earned that distinction last June 6 during the Philippines’ 111th Independence Day celebration at Hong Lin Green Park here in Singapore. The day was also fated to be the farewell performance of one of FVS’s most dedicated members although most in the group knew nothing about it.
Buoyed by the AIDS Candlelight Memorial experience, FVS should have been more confident going into the IDC performance but that was not the case. The two new songs, Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika and Tagumpay Nating Lahat proved to be extremely energy-draining pieces. At some point during the preparation, tempers flared, voices raised, secret meetings called...and inadvertently made known to everyone else. And there was the question hanging over everyone’s head, whether Shawie, who missed her flight back from the Philippines the night before the IDC celebration due to inclement weather, can make it back in time for the performance. All these contributed to making the preparation for the event memorable in itself. If anything, the preparation again revealed the mettle and the resiliency of the FVS members who kept coming back practice after practice despite the not-so-encouraging progress.
And the efforts paid off.
Again, the Filipino Voice Symphony rose to the occasion. Inexplicably, the difficult passages were managed, energy levels sustained and more importantly, Earl, the musical conductor, was in his elements. The members attributed their new-found confidence to Earl’s presence and command of the stage. He personified how the passages were to be performed and the group took the cue. Special mention should also be given to coloratura soprano Shawie (who barely made it back to Singapore)and soprano soloist Gladys for their commendable performance in Ang Gaan ng Feeling, notwithstanding the state of the microphones during the first number.
FVS’s most discriminating critic, Mr. Walter J., gave the performance an overall “8” (out of a possible “10”) saying that a “10” does not necessarily mean a Philippine Madrigal-like performance but simply what he figured to be the FVS’s best under the present situation. Coming from Mr. J himself, his “8” is comparable to American Idol judge Simon Cowell’s most effusive compliments and therefore is a hard-earned achievement itself.
However, all the euphoria and the celebration were tempered by the news that tenor Gregg was leaving FVS for good that Monday (8th of June) to process his papers for employment in New Zealand. Gregg will always be remembered as a dedicated Tenor who pines for Sectionals the way GMA tenaciously clings to the Philippine presidency. Clearly, Gregg’s departure has left a big void in the Tenor section.
As FVS closes another chapter in its unfolding saga, the future looks promising albeit uncertain.
What FVS has accomplished during the IDC needs to be earned repeatedly for the group is only as good as its last performance.
Words by Lorenzo Antonio C. Angel
Buoyed by the AIDS Candlelight Memorial experience, FVS should have been more confident going into the IDC performance but that was not the case. The two new songs, Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika and Tagumpay Nating Lahat proved to be extremely energy-draining pieces. At some point during the preparation, tempers flared, voices raised, secret meetings called...and inadvertently made known to everyone else. And there was the question hanging over everyone’s head, whether Shawie, who missed her flight back from the Philippines the night before the IDC celebration due to inclement weather, can make it back in time for the performance. All these contributed to making the preparation for the event memorable in itself. If anything, the preparation again revealed the mettle and the resiliency of the FVS members who kept coming back practice after practice despite the not-so-encouraging progress.
And the efforts paid off.
Again, the Filipino Voice Symphony rose to the occasion. Inexplicably, the difficult passages were managed, energy levels sustained and more importantly, Earl, the musical conductor, was in his elements. The members attributed their new-found confidence to Earl’s presence and command of the stage. He personified how the passages were to be performed and the group took the cue. Special mention should also be given to coloratura soprano Shawie (who barely made it back to Singapore)and soprano soloist Gladys for their commendable performance in Ang Gaan ng Feeling, notwithstanding the state of the microphones during the first number.
FVS’s most discriminating critic, Mr. Walter J., gave the performance an overall “8” (out of a possible “10”) saying that a “10” does not necessarily mean a Philippine Madrigal-like performance but simply what he figured to be the FVS’s best under the present situation. Coming from Mr. J himself, his “8” is comparable to American Idol judge Simon Cowell’s most effusive compliments and therefore is a hard-earned achievement itself.
However, all the euphoria and the celebration were tempered by the news that tenor Gregg was leaving FVS for good that Monday (8th of June) to process his papers for employment in New Zealand. Gregg will always be remembered as a dedicated Tenor who pines for Sectionals the way GMA tenaciously clings to the Philippine presidency. Clearly, Gregg’s departure has left a big void in the Tenor section.
As FVS closes another chapter in its unfolding saga, the future looks promising albeit uncertain.
What FVS has accomplished during the IDC needs to be earned repeatedly for the group is only as good as its last performance.
Words by Lorenzo Antonio C. Angel