40 years with Basil Valdez

MANILA, Philippines - Basil Valdez (photo) celebrates his 40th anniversary with a special one-night-only show titled Basil Valdez @ Solaire on April 29 at 8 p.m. at The Theatre in Solaire.

Expect a night of nostalgia with the legendary balladeer and his special guests Sharon Cuneta, the Ateneo Chamber Singers and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the musical direction of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

The Megastar recorded several cover versions of Basil’s classics, most notably Ngayon At Kailanman, which became the title of her blockbuster movie with Richard Gomez in the ‘90s. Basil and Ryan, on the other hand, go a long way back. When Basil joined the Circus Band in 1972, he met Ryan who was then part of another band. When Basil was putting together his first solo album Ngayon At Kailanman, he asked Ryan to write a few tracks for him, which the composer gladly obliged. Since then, Ryan became Basil’s musical director in almost all of his major concerts both locally and internationally.

The 42-piece ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra was created for the purpose of connecting and reinstating symphonic music into the lives of every Filipino. On the other hand, the Ateneo Chamber Singers has earned national and international renown for rendering sacred choral music with style and aplomb.

It is a fitting tribute that these artists come together for the love of Basil, who is arguably one of the country’s most enduring balladeers. When OPM classics like Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan, Iduyan Mo, Hindi Kita Malilimutan, Kahit Ikaw’y Panaginip Lang, Let The Pain Remain and You come to mind, one immediately realizes how indebted ballad-loving Pinoys and generations of artists are to Basil.

In an era where it is such a challenge for musical idols to last a decade, Basil is a shining symbol of how pure, soulful talent coupled with fortitude and professionalism can take one a long, long way. His songs and artistry have survived the test of time.

Basil Valdez @ Solaire is the perfect opportunity to go back through 40 solid years of music from Basil.

A production of NY Entourage Productions, Basil Valdez @ Solaire is supported by Philippine Airlines, Richville Hotel and Petron. For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or check out. Or you can call NY Entourage Productions at 552-7473 and follow NY Entourage Productions on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@nsyshows).