Lisa Macuja’s ‘Swan Song Series’ to raise funds for typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines - Prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde has announced that all proceeds from ticket sales to her Swan Song Series Year 3 shows will be donated to relief operations for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

The Swan Song Series, Macuja-Elizalde’s three-year retirement plan in which she is bidding goodbye to her favorite full-length ballet classics, is on its final year with performances of La Bayadere and The Nutcracker.

The ballerina had initially thought of cancelling the series of shows in consideration of the devastation that has happened in the Visayas region. However, after what she describes as “much soul-searching,” she decided the performances would serve a better purpose by raising funds for the typhoon victims.

Thus, all tickets sold via Ticketworld for the Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 shows of The Nutcracker will go to the Philippine National Red Cross and DZRH’s Operation Tulong. All shows — also featuring Ballet Manila and the Manila Symphony Orchestra — will be presented at 7:30 p.m. at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

DZRH is the flagship radio station of the Manila Broadcasting Company, a presentor of the Swan Song Series, and of which Fred J. Elizalde is chairman.

“I am just grateful that I have the means to contribute in this manner. My husband Fred has supported my decision 100 percent,” the ballerina said.

Macuja-Elizalde has announced on Twitter and Facebook: “Honestly, I almost cancelled Swan Song Series Year 3 because of this horrible catastrophe. (But) the shows will go on. All proceeds will be donated.”

Meanwhile, donations of relief goods are being accepted at the Operation Tulong desk at the DZRH headquarters, ground floor of the MBC Building, beside Aliw Theater. Suggested donations are canned food, rice, bottled water and medicine and hygiene kits.

For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or ticketworld.com.ph. For inquiries or additional information, call Ballet Manila at 525-5967 or 400-0292.