It is daunting to have a repertoire as wide-ranging as The Wild Wild West and Phantom of the Opera. Even more when you throw in Turandot into the expectations.
However, that is exactly the kind of the program to expect when the world-class group Covent Garden Soloists performs at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Slated on November 6, this event marks the Philippine stop of this crème de la crème of the orchestra world.
Founded and directed by Vasko Vassilev, also the creative producer of London’s Royal Opera House, the group has been described as “virtuosic.” The original Soloists of the Royal Opera House performed for a decade to sold-out concerts and has since been expanded to become the Covent Garden Soloists.
And how does Toyota come in? It may come as a surprise to some, but since 1990, Toyota has been supporting charities across Asia by promoting classical music. The program, aptly called Toyota Classics, now celebrates its 25th edition with this Asian tour in partnership with Covent Garden Soloists.
Proceeds from ticket sales go to Plan International, an international development organization, and their project of rebuilding schools destroyed by Yolanda.
This tour takes the soloists across Southeast Asia, for an itinerary that includes Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, aside from the Philippines.
The group and its leaders are a microcosm of the world. Artistic director and violinist Vasko hails from Bulgaria, composer/arranger and pianist Pamela Tan Nicholson hails from Singapore, and conductor Miguel Angel Navarro hails from Spain.
While classical music is already rare to begin with, that some of the world’s best are gathered in one stage makes this concert an even more important spectacle. The repertoire is eclectic and sure to be a crowd pleaser, with iconic pieces and soundtracks from film.
Tickets are currently being sold. Toyota Classics is for music that moves lives. -Rappler.com
Toyota Classics is one night only. Catch it November 6, 8:00pm at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. For ticket inquiries, please call (02) 891-9999 or visit https://www.ticketworld.com.ph/Online/toyotaclassics.
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