OLDER GENERATIONS recall American tenor and Hollywood actor Mario Lanza with fondness for introducing opera to the masses through his records and movies in the 1950s. His voice was said to rival Enrico Caruso’s. With his good looks and exquisite voice, he enthralled millions of movie and music lovers around the world. His recordings of “Be My Love” and “The Loveliest Night of the Year” sold more than a million and topped the Billboard charts. He made the path easier for the coming of the three tenors Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti.
On March 6, 7 p.m., the Cultural Arts Events Organizers (CAEO) opens its summer concert series with a tribute to Mario Lanza entitled Reminiscences, at the Ayala Museum, corner Makati Ave. and De la Rosa St., Makati City.
Performing the music associated with Lanza are three of country’s top vocal artists: tenors Nomher Nival and Ivan Nery, and soprano Stephanie Aguilar. All three are winners of the National Competition for Young Artists and the Jovita Fuentes Vocal Competition. They have been part of major opera productions in the country including Noli Me Tangere at Resorts World.
Gabby Allan Ferros Paguirigan will assist the singers at the piano.
Among the songs to be interpreted are: “Be My Love,” “All the Things You Are,” “They Didn’t Believe Me,” “Granada,” “O Sole Mio,” as well as operatic gems such as O Soave Fanciulla from La Boheme and others.
For tickets, call CAEO at 782-7164, 0918-347-3027.
