By Alexza Fernando
In celebration of its 50th year inaugural anniversary, the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium concluded its lineup of events last Oct. 6 with Filipino dance-musical “Rama, Hari”.
Spanning from August to October, the celebration included five events held in Silliman University (SU).
The first event was “The Tone-key Quartet” which featured Satoshi Mitsumoto, Junko Matsuda, Kasumi Yanagiura, and Junichi Matsuda last Aug. 21.
Guest violinist Marylou Joey Alfafara, the SU String Ensemble, and the Don Bosco String Ensemble also took the stage for the said showcase.
The event that followed featured a performance by Philippine pianist George Harliono last Aug. 25.
Harlionio is a silver medalist of the 2023 Tchaikovsky International Music Competition in Moscow, and is presently on tour.
Moreover, SU also featured its talents in the lineup of events through “Paghandom: Silliman Performs” last Aug. 24 and 26.
The performance was led by event director Mr. Miguel Braganza and musical director Dr. Elizabeth Susan Vista-Suarez.
“From late-night rehearsals and practices to long meetings, technical challenges, and last-minute changes, the team gave their all to ensure ‘Paghandom’ would be a remarkable success,” the SU Culture and Arts Council (CAC) wrote on Facebook.
Furthermore, 50 rondalla musicians from across the country starred in the anniversary celebration through their show “Kuwerdas Filipinas Symphonic Rondalla” last Sept. 14.
Directed by National Artist for Music Dr. Ramon Santos, the show was also part of the organization’s 20th year celebration of the Strings of Unity: International Rondalla and Plucked String Music Festival.
Luce Auditorium Manager Marie Christel Kho expressed that the auditorium is referred to as the “little [Cultural Center of the Philippines] of the South” because of its role in “fostering Filipino culture and the arts” outside of Metro Manila.
Kho highlighted that the Luce serves as a laboratory and training ground for students, aiming to equip them with a deeper appreciation and exposure to culture by the time they graduate.
“It’s a full-circle moment, and it’s inspiring. We hope our students and the entire community will appreciate what we have here, as not all schools are fortunate enough to have something like the Luce,” Kho shared.
This year’s lineup of events was headlined by Alice Reyes’ “Rama, Hari” last Oct. 5 – 6.
“Rama, Hari” in SU
“Rama, Hari” is a collaboration of National Artist for Direction and Choreography Alice Reyes, National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for the Libretto Bienvenido Lumbera, National Artist for Production Design Salvador Bernal, and National Artist for English Lyric Translations Rolando Tinio.
Reyes expressed her “heartfelt gratitude” to the SU CACl Director Diomar Coronel Abrio for bringing the production to life on the auditorium’s stage.
“I have been coming to Silliman for many years, and it is incredibly meaningful for us to have “Rama, Hari” as part of the Luce Auditorium’s 50th anniversary festivities. It is incredibly meaningful to us,” she said.
Reyes also emphasized the production’s significance in showcasing the beauty of Filipino classical works.
“This piece has evolved over the years, a testament to the successful collaboration among creative artists,” she noted.
Despite decades being in the industry, Reyes remains motivated by the “desire” to provide opportunities for young artists.
“I am very excited, I am very inspired, because for me it gives the younger generation [inspiration] here in Silliman, in Dumaguete and I think there are people that are coming from nearby districts and even different cities.” she explained.
