A musical evening of kundiman, Broadway and Star Wars

MANILA, Philippines – I had the most delightful treat last Aug. 13 at the John Wayne Performing Arts Theater in Glendale, California. The legendary Sylvia La Torre performed with her precious granddaughter Anna Maria Perez de Tagle. The concert was the annual concert of the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Fil-Am Robert Shroder.

What an absolute delight to see Sylvia sparkle still at 82 years young. And to hear her granddaughter Anna Maria sing kundiman so wonderfully. You just know Sylvia’s legacy is secure. The young singer who first gained popularity in Hannah Montana, a popular Disney-produced TV show a few years ago alongside Miley Cyrus, has blossomed into a wonderful young lady. Anna Maria sang On my Own from the musical Les Miserables, I Enjoy Being a Girl from Flower Drum Song and Bituin Marikit. Her Bituin Marikit was just splendid. Someone in the audience remarked that she sings like a nightingale.

Sylvia thanked God for still having her voice after eight decades. It is indeed a blessing to hear her sing the classics Diyos Lamang and Nasaan Ka, Irog which she said she had to dig deep for from her baul. The kundiman queen still has her sharp wit and rib-tickling humor and everyone fell silent as she broke into her songs.

The unforgettable piece of the evening was the duet of Sylvia with Anna Maria of Sa Kabukiran. Their beautiful trills and tones blending and soaring with every note careful to let the other shine in their moments — truly you are witnessing a duet of love — of grandmother and granddaughter — they perfectly connect with each other and the audience. They were rewarded with a boisterous standing ovation.

The FASO concert featured other young talented performers some of them coached by veteran singer Louie Reyes who was in the audience to support them.

Robert Shroder and the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra ended the concert with a robust performance of the Star Wars theme.

In the audience was Jon Jon Briones and his son Theo. Jon Jon will star as the Engineer in the revival of Miss Saigon on Broadway after his successful star turn of the same role in the West End.

Anna Maria with Jon Jon Briones and his son Theo