A concert among equals

MANILA, Philippines - Exciting, exemplary and exceptional aptly describe the recent debut concert of all-female trio La Diva at Music Museum last Nov. 28 and Dec. 5.

Only La Diva was one of the most refreshing concerts this season as it featured great solo singers putting their egos aside to unite and create music.

Pinoy Pop Superstar champions all, Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia have their own forte.

Jonalyn is in command of the high notes, Aicelle fills in the midrange while Maricris provides the base. With the assignment, it’s easy for them to make beautiful music as a force, captured in intricate vocal blending and contrapuntal melodies.

The synergy is most appreciated in such songs as Apologize (originally by One Republic), Stand Up For Love (Destiny’s Child), Free Your Mind (En Vogue), Best Of My Love (The Emotions) and Broken Vow (Lara Fabian).

They can and do alternate in singing the main melody of and within a song. This is not usually heard from other vocal groups but since each of La Diva is an accomplished singer in her own right, it‘s inevitable that they shine as individuals, too. These happen in Mahal Kita for Maricris, I Am Changing for Jonalyn and I Believe I Can Fly for Aicelle.

Maximizing the aural texture the group offers is musical director Danny Tan. The award-winning composer-arranger wisely stays faithful to the original arrangements of most of the songs so focus is on the voices and the dynamics that comes to play. The only times he innovates is when he knows a new arrangement will better canvass the singing (e.g. the updated version of Kung Liligaya Ka and a more sober Nobody). 

He also assures that no one sings more than the other does. This way, the show doesn’t come across as a showdown. This, even when one of the singers is delivering the “highlight“ of a song, or when one does vocal calisthenics after the other.

La Diva is so giving it even allows non-singer guests like Dingdong Dantes (Nov. 28) and Aljur Abrenica (Dec. 5) to shine. If the two male celebrities sound like professional singers, it‘s because La Diva lends them vocal support.

Aparrently, Jonalyn, Maricris and Aicelle are real friends who respect each other‘s capabilities. The generosity they accord each other onstage is such a sight to behold. It‘s an exception in the cutthroat competition in the music scene. If only for that, La Diva deserves many times over the standing ovation they get at the end of the concert.

Other songs in the repertoire are I Have Nothing, Lady Marmalade, Through The Fire, In Your Eyes, Out Here On My Own, I’m Yours, Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas, Bakit, Now That You’re Gone, Never Ever Say Goodbye, Sometime Somewhere, The Climb, Dream Girls, Kasiping Ka (first single from its debut album), and Angels Brought Me Here.

Only La Diva is produced by Sunny Side Up Productions in cooperation with GMA Network, Inc. The show is presented by Aficionado and Joel Cruz with support from Sony Music Philippines, PLDT Call All, in cooperation with Creative Hair Systems by Arnell Ignacio.

Choreographer is Regine Tolentino, stage director is Louie Ignacio, and costume designers/stylists are Pepsi Herrera and Edwin Tan.