LEA, LISA, CECILE: The Artist as Muse
The triumphant Legends from left: Cecile Licad, Lisa Macuja and Lea Salonga. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Bautista
The muses were an enduring theme in the ancient world. For the Roman scholar Varro there are only three Muses. According to Wikipedia, “one who is born from the movement of water, another who makes sound by striking the air, and a third who is embodied only in the human voice. They were Melete or Practice, Mneme or Memory and Aoide or Song.” Later myths expanded the three to nine.
VIP fans that night: CCP Trustee Jaime Laya and PDI Lifestyle Editor Thelma Sioson San Juan. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
In the Philippines, we have three legendary muses of our own: Lea Salonga, Cecile Licad and Lisa Macuja. Their recent concert THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE at the CCP exhibited them as the world-class talents that have been celebrated here and abroad. They are artists who have become muses; an inspiration to generations of singers, dancers and musicians.
The Legends acknowledge Musical Director Gerard Salonga and the ABS CBN Orchestra. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last October 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
Musical Director Gerard Salonga conducts the ABS CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
Among the three of them the concert is most significant for Lisa Macuja Elizalde who is doing the last series of performances. Lisa has announced her retirement as ballerina. For those who missed The Legends series, Lisa Macuja still has several upcoming shows:
—Lisa will have four performances of La Bayadere—Nov. 14 and 16, 7:30 p.m., with Mikhail Martynyuk of the Kremlin Ballet; and on Nov. 15 and 17, 7:30 p.m., with Ballet Manila principal dancer Rudy de Dios, all at Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City. The Manila Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of guest Russian conductor Alexander Vikulov, is featured in the shows on Nov. 14-16.
Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Rudy de Dios perform PROKOFIEV: Romeo & Juliet. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
—The Nutcracker gala is scheduled on Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m., followed by shows on Dec. 1 and 7, 3 p.m. The Dec. 7 performance is for the benefit of Smokey Mountain through the Philippine Christian Foundation. Presented by Ballet Manila, Manila Broadcasting Company and Aliw Theater, Swan Song Series 3 has BPI Credit Cards and Multimedia Exponents (MME) as major sponsors.
—And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, February 21, 2014 Friday 7:30 p.m. at the Aliw Theater
For tickets, contact Ticketworld at tel. 8919999 or ticketworld.com.ph. For inquiries or additional information, contact Ballet Manila at tel. 5255967 or 4000292, or visit websites http://www.balletmanila.com.ph and http://www.lisamacuja.com.
Lea Salonga is a true legend. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. LEA SALONGA also has her anniversary concert PLAYLIST A CELEBRATION OF 35 YEARS December 6 & 7, 2013 PICC Plenary Hall. Photo by Jude Bautista
—LEA SALONGA has PLAYLIST A CELEBRATION OF 35 YEARS December 6 & 7, 2013 PICC Plenary Hall Tickets for PLAYLIST are available at http://www.ticketworld.com.ph .
—Cecile Licad Plays Rachmaninoff with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra Friday, Nov. 15, 6:30pm Amica Rush Hour Concert and Saturday, Nov. 16, 8pm at The Vets in Providence, Rhode Island.
Cecile Licad glows during THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE held at the CCP last October 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
“For too many centuries women have been being muses to artists. I wanted to be the muse, I wanted to be the wife of the artist, but I was really trying to avoid the final issue — that I had to do the job myself.” ― Anaïs Nin
Lisa’s son Manuel and Lea’s daughter Nicole congratulate their legendary moms. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last October 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Cecile Licad makes a graceful entrance then cues Conductor Gerard Salonga. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
CECILE LICAD —music when performed with true love and emotion can easily be seen through the face, Licad is prime example of this. It seems to flow from her. She gives musical director Gerard Salonga a quick glance and suddenly she is possessed by the melodies. Notes seem to pass from her fingers to the piano keys. The most complex and difficult pieces through her mastery of it, through her interpretation come out as emotion: PAQUITA GRANDE DISVERTISSEMENT, GOTTSCHALK and RACHMANINOFF-RHAPSODY ON A THEME OF PAGANINI. Her right arm would swing upward and stay there as if waving good-bye as a point to end a piece.
(top) Cecile Licad and cellist Francisco Llorin, (bottom left) Cecile and her signature right hand move at end of piece (bottom right) from left: Cecile Licad, Lisa Macuja Elizalde and cellist Francisco Llorin bow after the remarkable DYING SWAN (LE CARNAVAL DES ANUMAUX). THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
Licad is more than just the most celebrated piano prodigy from the Philippines. As a 19 year old she was then the youngest to ever win the prestigious Leventritt Gold Medal. It used to be a competition for violinists and pianists but evolved into an award for the most promising musical talent. The Leventritt Foundation in New York established it 1939 in honor of Edgar M. Leventritt, lawyer and patron of music. According to the New York Times, the award has launched many careers: “Among the winners have been Eugene Istomin, Alexis Weissenberg, Gary Graffman, Van Cliburn, John Browning, Malcolm Frager, Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman.” Licad’s facebook site also lists her performances with the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and National Symphony. The Legends had no less than the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.
Cecile Licad waves to her fans during THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
Musical Director Gerard Salonga conducts the ABS CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
Cecile Licad and cellist Francisco Llorin. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lisa Macuja interprets NAIS KO in dance. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
LISA MACUJA doesn’t move on stage, she floats. The power of legs and thighs in every leap is seen as grace. Every emotion on her face belies the pain, the strain on her feet and ankles. We were all mesmerized with Lisa Macuja and her partner Rudy De Dios in PROKOFIEV: Romeo & Juliet.
Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Rudy de Dios perform PROKOFIEV: Romeo & Juliet. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lisa Macuja Elizalde performs PROKOFIEV: Romeo & Juliet. THE LEGENDS AND THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 FRI 730pm at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
As a photographer, I am fascinated with dancers. They easily convey stories through the use of their bodies and faces. No wonder some of the most famous actors have a dancing background, John Travolta and the late Patrick Swayze. Lisa is the pinnacle of ballet in the Philippines not just as a performer but also as teacher. Ballet Manila has become a rich pool of dancers as seen in Legends. Ballet Manila’s strength as a company was particularly evident in the elaborate choreography of PAQUITA GRANDE DISVERTISSEMENT.
Ballerina’s of Ballet Manila defy gravity. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lisa Macuja is raised aloft in PAQUITA GRANDE DISVERTISSEMENT. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
PAQUITA GRANDE DISVERTISSEMENT (left) Lisa Macuja in red
and Rudy de Dios. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Lisa Macuja and Lea Salonga perform Sharon Cuneta’s hit SANA’Y WALA NANG WAKAS. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
Ryan Cayabyab originally wrote the opening number/song of NAIS KO and became a signature hit of singer Basil Valdez. The song speaks about the desire to create, to experience life, to travel. Both the music and lyrics capture that zest for life that these three legendary performers have personified. Lea Salonga’s vocals, Lisa Macuja interpreting through dance and Cecile Licad on piano for that one song was unforgettable. Having them together on one stage is certainly a dream come true.
Lisa Macuja interprets NAIS KO in dance. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lisa Macuja Elizalde was mesmerizing in her DYING SWAN (LE CARNAVAL DES ANUMAUX) solo. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
And that song was just the beginning. Another combination, the trio of having the best pianist in Licad with cellist Francisco Llorin and Lisa Macuja performing the remarkable DYING SWAN (LE CARNAVAL DES ANUMAUX) proved to be a magical experience. The audience was so moved that an ovation could not be stopped even at the middle of the concert. A stellar combination such as that may never be replicated again.
Lisa Macuja Elizalde was mesmerizing in her DYING SWAN (LE CARNAVAL DES ANUMAUX) solo. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Cecile Licad, Lisa Macuja and cellist Francisco Llorin. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Lisa Macuja and Lea Salonga perform Sharon Cuneta’s hit SANA’Y WALA NANG WAKAS. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lisa Macuja Elizalde interprets Sharon Cuneta’s SANA’Y WALA NANG WAKAS via dance. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lea sings FOR GOOD from WICKED. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. LEA SALONGA also has her anniversary concert PLAYLIST A CELEBRATION OF 35 YEARS December 6 & 7, 2013 PICC Plenary Hall. Photo by Jude Bautista
LEA SALONGA shone with her Broadway selections most especially with FOR GOOD and DEFYING GRAVITY from WICKED. The CCP will also be the same venue for the hit WICKED on January 2014. Other songs may have become a staple from Lea: I DREAMED A DREAM and ON MY OWN from Les Mis and MEMORIES for Cats. I’D GIVE MY LIFE FOR YOU from Miss Saigon was also particularly meaningful for Lea. The Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo’s stage was where she first learned and performed the song during the audition for the show that launched her international career.
Lea Salonga opens with NAIS KO written and composed by Ryan Cayabyab and originally sung by Basil Valdez. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. LEA SALONGA also has her anniversary concert PLAYLIST A CELEBRATION OF 35 YEARS Dec 6 & 7, 2013 PICC Plenary Hall. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lea Salonga shines behind her are the beautiful faces of Ballet Manila. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. LEA SALONGA also has her anniversary concert PLAYLIST A CELEBRATION OF 35 YEARS Dec 6 & 7, 2013 PICC Plenary Hall. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lea’s voice has that sincere, clear and resonant quality which was perfect for the selection of Michel Legrand compositions: WHAT ARE YOU DOING THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?, WINDMILLS OF YOUR MIND, PAPA CAN YOU HEAR ME? Legrand’s work doesn’t just deal with love but regret and loss. Again it’s the emotion that Lea is able to put into the song that moves audiences. Especially in Filipino classics like HAHANAPIN KO composed by Jose Mari Chan and lyrics by Jimmy Santiago.
Lea Salonga’s beauty has a timeless quality. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. LEA SALONGA also has her anniversary concert PLAYLIST A CELEBRATION OF 35 YEARS Dec 6 & 7, 2013 PICC Plenary Hall. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Lisa Macuja and Lea Salonga perform Sharon Cuneta’s hit SANA’Y WALA NANG WAKAS. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
As grand finale they chose SANA’Y WALA NANG WAKAS written and composed by Willy Cruz made famous by Sharon Cuneta. Sharon has a new show with Ogie Alcasid called, “The Mega and the Songwriter” Sunday 9pm on TV5. As wonderful as Sharon’s voice is Lea Salonga elevated the song to even greater heights. Cecile Licad, impeccably played the song which was composed to be played on the piano. Lisa again interpreted the song through ballet, floating, moving becoming the song through her body.
from left: Lisa Macuja and Lea Salonga perform Sharon Cuneta’s hit SANA’Y WALA NANG WAKAS. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lea Salonga talks about Lisa Macuja’s retirement during THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm and Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 FRI 730pm at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
Before singing their encore song of WHAT I DID FOR LOVE, Lea hugged Lisa saying, “We’re bigger than whatever heartache and disappointment that may come our way. And here we are now standing before you, women, mothers, artists and dreamers still. One day we may have to leave the spotlight some of us sooner than others. She’s retiring na kasi (hugs Lisa). We will be watching from the sidelines we will be teaching and coaching. One day we may not be able to offer you the fruits of our love as we do now. When that day comes we will know that our lives have been incredibly blessed and absolutely no regrets.”
top left Lea sings FOR GOOD from WICKED (Bottom left) grand finale. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. LEA SALONGA also has her anniversary concert PLAYLIST A CELEBRATION OF 35 YEARS December 6 & 7, 2013 PICC Plenary Hall. Photo by Jude Bautista
Lisa Macuja is raised aloft in PAQUITA GRANDE DISVERTISSEMENT. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
PAQUITA GRANDE DISVERTISSEMENT (left) Lisa Macuja in red (right) Ballerina’s of Ballet Manila defy gravity. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Catch Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
Ballet Manila during THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
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