'Harana' tours The Netherlands

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Opera Company’s hit show “Harana” tours the Netherlands from June 8 to 15.  A first for the country’s premier opera company, “Harana” will have a special performance at Theater de Compagnie in Amsterdam on June 11.

“Harana” features eight of country’s highly celebrated singers: Ana Feleo, Deeda Barretto, Karla Gutierrez, Florence Aguilar, Sherwin Sozon, Lawrence Jatayna, Noel Rayos and Miguel Castro.

“Harana” (serenade) refers to the traditional form of courtship where a man woos a woman by singing underneath her window. In the 1920s, “harana” or “kundiman” became a mainstream musical style, popularized by many performers including Diomedes Maturan and Ruben Tagalog.

“Harana” takes its audiences on a spectacular cultural journey showcasing the very best of Philippine music. From the indigenous Cordilleras and pre-colonial period to contemporary and fusion, each musical suite is theatrically presented with authenticity and visual excitement.  

The show consists of six suites: Igorot, Maria Clara, Rural, Muslim, Folk and the Contemporary. Repertoire includes timeless classics like “Bituing Marikit,” “Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak,” “Pamaypay ng Maynila,”  “Iyo Kailan Pa Man,” “Kalesa,” “Ang Maya,” “Ano Kaya Ang Kapalaran,” “Dumbele,” “Ay Salidumay,” “Waray-Waray,” “Sa Kabukiran,” “Manang Biday,” “Atin Cu Pung Singsing,” “Pobreng Alindahaw,” “Saan Ka Man Naroroon,” “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal” and “Hindi Kita Malimot.”

The creation of each “Harana” suite is a product of thorough research with the commitment to preserve indigenous Philippine music and its appropriate dance and folklore. “Harana” is directed by Kokoy Jimenez, music arrangements by Von de Guzman, choreography by Irina Feleo and costume designs by Zenaida Gutierrez, and is produced in cooperation with the Yuchengco Group of Companies, Narda’s, Dita Sandico-Ong, Shangri-la Plaza and Onesimus.  

“Harana” the album is also available, exclusively distributed by Pixelgrain. For more information, log on to www.philippineoperacompany.com.