Yang at heart

If I were to conceptualize a commercial for this fast-food chain, I would tap George Yang himself, chairman and founder of Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald’s Philippines), as star, showing him singing (like a Pied Piper) as he leads children of all colors to a McDo outlet. After all, with his singing ability, George can entice even more clients to branches around the country.

But before that (if ever that “concept” materialized), George will be performing in Klassikal Music Foundation Presents: One with the Stars on Thursday night, Oct. 12, at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“The concert shines a spotlight on our scholars,” said George. “Klassikal Music Foundation (KMF) is an educational assistance fund I started in 2007 for deserving young performers who do not have the means to complete costly musical degrees. Its founding was inspired by my own love and passion for singing.” 

Besides showcasing the scholars’ talents, the concert One with the Stars will also serve as a fund-raiser for the KMF. All proceeds will go to the scholarship fund. (Note: George was awarded the degree of Doctorate in Humanities Honoris Causa by Jose Rizal University three years ago and by De La Salle University last March. He was also the commencement speaker, hence he became Dr. George T. Yang.)

Throwback Tuesday: George and Kristine as a young couple with kids Kenneth, Kristopher, Richie and Karen. Today, Kenneth is president and CEO of McDonald’s Philippines; Kristopher handles his Fun Characters licensing business; Richie runs a chain of restaurants that includes Super Bowl, Big Buddha and Chili’s; and Karen is setting up a pastry line of her own soon.

How is One with the Stars different from your previous concerts (and how many guestings/solo shows have you done so far)?

“We come up with a different theme for the KMF concert every year. In 2016, the show was called Songs from a Silver World and our repertoire at the time consisted of musical compositions from acclaimed films.

“This year, One with the Stars will feature the most beloved tracks by music icons through the decades — from Judy Garland to Sting, Bruno Mars, and Alicia Keys.  

“I had my first solo concert, Yang Classics, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) main theater about seven or eight years ago. It was after that show that I started learning classical music.”    

What’s your Oct. 12 repertoire; do you adapt it to the kind of audience attending?

“Each year, we make sure our repertoire consists of songs that will best showcase our scholars’ singing prowess. But we also make sure that it’s always diverse enough to include songs that younger audiences will be able to appreciate and relate to. That’s another goal of ours at KMF: develop younger people’s appreciation for classical music.   

“Our repertoire for Oct. 12 will include old favorites such as Carmina Burana by Carl Orff and To All the Girls I Loved Before by Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias, and contemporary hits like Versace on the Floor by Bruno Mars and Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys.”   

What song do you always include in your repertoire (and why)?

“I like to sing O Sole Mio because it’s beautiful. It’s a Neapolitan song sung by most tenors. However, I don’t always include it in my repertoire. I always make sure to switch things up to keep my shows interesting. I also sing old standard and crossovers. Once Upon a Time, an old standard song by Tony Bennett, is another one of my favorites; I love it because of the beautiful lyrics.”  

Still remember the first song you learned how to sing?

“I can’t remember the exact one but it was definitely an old standard jazz or pop track. Those were the songs I would perform when I was starting. I eventually switched to classical music, but I can still sing the other genres.”  

What song made you realize that you wanted to be a singer?

“It wasn’t really my intention to be a singer. I’m still mainly a businessman who luckily became an artist in his mature years. Singing, for me, is really just a fun thing to do, and every now and then, I get to share it with audiences upon request.”  

The Yangs, led by George and his wife Kristine, pose for a family picture during a Christmas get-together last year.

Who are your musical influences? 

“My friend Jose Mari Chan is one of my biggest influences. He was the one who encouraged me to record my own CD and then produced it. This record, titled Yang at Heart, is not commercially available but I wanted to make one so my grandchildren can listen to me. It was also during Jose Mari Chan’s concert that I first performed on stage. I sang The Prayer with Anna Fegi. 

“Award-winning Filipino soprano Rachelle Gerodias is also a big influence. She was the one who encouraged me to take up classical music, and she was my mentor for classical music.” 

Did you win the affection of your wife, Kristine Yang (jeweller), with a song (what song); and do you have a theme song?

“We don’t have a specific theme song… but I can create one!” (Laughs) “I’d say that even during our courtship, my wife already noticed that I could sing.” 

Did you sing your children to sleep when they were babies?

“Not really because I was not into singing yet at the time.” 

What song is your all-time favorite (the song of your life)?

“I would have to say that it’s O Sole Mio because of its melody and lyrics. It’s also the first song I learned to sing when I started to learn classical music.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)