I recognize the title "Carmina Burana" as a piece of classical music. It was a cantata written by German composer Carl Orff back in 1936 based on Goliardic verses from the 13th century. Orff chose 24 out of the 200 published poems written by the Goliards (or wandering clerics and students in Europe) to create his master work of music.
However, I realize that I actually only know just the first two-and-a-half minutes of it. This is a very familiar, grandiloquently dramatic tune known as "O Fortuna," which had been commonly used in several films (like "Excalibur" in 1981), TV shows (like "The X Factor") and TV commercials (like "Old Spice").
To open its 49th season this year, Ballet Philippines (BP) chose to re-stage a dance interpretation of "Carmina Burana" choreographed by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes and first staged in 1974. Ms. Reyes is also currently the Artistic Director of BP, and was present in the audience last night. The accompanying music was provided by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Gerald Salonga.
The first thirty minutes of the program was dedicated to three shorter dance pieces, about 10 minutes each. This was followed by a 20 minute intermission, after which the hour-long main feature was performed.
"Sama Sama"
(photo from Ballet Philippines FB page)
The first one was entitled "Sama Sama" choreographed by Ronelson Yadao, making its debut in this show. This was an energetic ensemble piece for about 15 male dancers set to the music of Ryan Cayabyab as sung by a choir on the side. The novelty song "Da Coconut Nut" was highlighted in the midsection of this number. For their costumes (also designed by Yadao), the men all wore white t-shirts on top, but their tights were in various bright colors to give a fun and festive feel.
The second number was entitled "Vivaldi Concerto," a delightful Neo-Classic suite for three pairs of dancers set to the familiar tunes by Antonio Vivaldi. This was choreographed by Brando Miranda and was first performed by BP in 1985. This is only the first time it was performed since that year.
"Vivaldi Concerto"
(photo from Ballet Philippines FB page)
The dancers all wore pale green outfits designed by Victor Ursabia. Classical guitar soloist Aaron Biag was featured to accompany this suite with his scintillating playing. The couples were: Stephanie Santiago and Eri Sorilla, Monica Gana and Lester Reguindin, and Sarah Alejandro and John Ababon. The dramatic midsection of this number featured the three pairs dancing their respective elegant pas de deux.
The third number was entitled "Season of Flight," set to the eerie music by Marius Constant, choreographed by Norman Walker specifically for BP back in 1972. Walker was also responsible for the set and costume design. There were three featured dancers: two in white (Ronelson Yadao and Jemima Reyes) and one in red (Eugene Obille) in a sort of love triangle scenario. The rest of the corps were wearing orange outfits. The dramatic suite ended in a powerful formation of birds in flight.
"Season of Flight"
(photo from Ballet Philippines FB page)
After the interval, came the main event -- "Carmina Burana". The majestic set of that first staging was design by National Artist for Theater Design, the late Salvador Bernal, who also designed the costumes. That same classic set design of ceremonial rocks with a fiery cauldron was used again tonight. There were choral singers on both sides of the stage, all dressed in black, composed of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Our Lady of Fatima University Chorale and the Kilyawan Boys Choir.
When the powerful first bars of "O Fortuna" was heard, the stage exploded into graceful action. The men had bare torsos with only a Greek-inspired belt around their waist as accent. The ladies were in dresses that flowed with their spins and jumps.
"Carmina Burana"
(photo from Ballet Philippines FB page)
Certain portions of the cantata were performed by soloists like Victor Maguad (in "Omnia Sol Temperat" and "Ego Sum Abbas") and Ronelson Yadao (in "Dies Nox et Omnia"). There were portions danced by pairs and trios ("Stetit Puella," "Si Puer Cum Puellula," "In Trutina") with featured dancers Victor Maguad, Denise Parungao, Jemima Reyes, Earl John Arisola and Eugene Obille.
Aside from the resounding singing by the choirs, there were some awesome solo performances by featured singers (baritone Noel Azcona and coloratura soprano Ma. Cristina Viguilla-Navarro) which further enhanced the power and drama of the dancing. Azcona and Navarro were reaching exquisitely high notes which were unique pleasures for our ears to listen to.
Jemima Reyes, Denise Parungao, Victor Maguad, Ronelson Yadao
and the rest of the ensemble take their triumphant bows
By the finale reprise of "O Fortuna" all the dancers wore flowing white tunics over their original costumes to fully embody the Greek mythology vibe of the choreography as they looked like priests and priestesses in front of a burning oracle flame at a Greek temple. This was really beautiful imagery and movement that brought this memorable multi-sensory spectacle to a robust close. The appreciative audience spontaneously stood up in a prolonged ovation to congratulate all the performers -- dancers, singers, musicians all -- fort the triumphant staging of this opus.
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"Carmina Burana" only ran for three days from September 7, 8 and 9, 2018 at the Bulwagang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
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