Aida played by 2 Batangueñas
The Giusseppe masterpiece, the grand opera in four acts Aida, was staged only twice in Manila. Two Batangueñas had the distinction of playing Aida, Celerina Pujante Cayabyab in 1958 and Conching Rosal in 1972.
Aida is set in ancient Egypt.
Cayabyab, dramatic soprano, mother of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music, had no less than Italian tenor Arrigo Pola for partner in Aida as Radames. Pola was the mentor of Luciano Pavarotti. In the ’50s, he traveled extensively in Asia, performing with Filipino artists, including Celerina Pujante Cayabyab.
Rodolfo Reyno, Arrigo Pola
Aida circa 1958 was mounted at the FEU Auditorium, then the favored venue for classical presentations.
In Jan. 28 and 30, 1972, Conching Rosal played Aida with Rodolfo Reyno as Radames at the CCP, with Filipino Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Prof. Luis Valencia.
The Music Promotion Foundation of the Philippines presented Aida to mark its 100th year, with Jovita Fuentes as executive producer.
Cayabyab was from Balayan and Rosal from San Jose, Batangas. — RKC
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