BASSOONIST Adolfo Mendoza emerged as the star of the evening during the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra?s ?The Spirit of America? concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He was hailed as ?world-class? by visiting American conductor Laura Jackson before he performed as soloist in John Williams? contemporary ?The Five Sacred Trees.?

Concertmaster Nemesio Ibero and harpist Lourdes de Leon-Gregorio also received their share of applause.

Indeed, the PPO seemed inspired as, egged on by the charismatic Jackson, they interpreted the beloved music of George Gershwin, greatest American composer of the 20th century, and Leonard Bernstein, first US-born conductor to gain international renown.

Prima ballerina Lisa Macuja proved to be an effective communicator in Filipino as she elucidated on the fine points of classical ballet before close to 3,000 school kids at Aliw Theater. She also explained the plot of that afternoon?s show, ?La Fille Mal Gardée? (The Naughty Daughter), an entertaining family show.

The choreography managed to interest the kids for two hours. And the soloists?Jerome Espejo and Mylene Aggabao, Gerard Francisco and Jennifer Rose Olayvar, plus Rudy de Dios?shone in their pas de deux numbers.

French-Canadian singing actress Naomi Emmerson was terrific in Roger Peace?s ?Edith Piaf: Love Conquers All,? a MusicArtes production at Francisco Santiago Theater. She acted and sang up a storm, recalling the high points of Piaf?s tragic life through 13 songs identified with the chanteuse.

The one-woman show (with piano obligato by Carmela Sinco) was quite affecting.

Brilliant

The six months of rehearsals had paid off. Film actress Cherie Gil, appearing as Maria Callas, gave what may be the performance of her life in Terrence McNally?s brilliant ?Master Class? (Philippine Opera Company at RCBC Plaza Theater), directed by Michael Williams.

Sopranos Deeda Barreto and Florence Aguilar were miscast, in the sense that they sang beautifully although they were supposed to be faltering voice students. And baritone Jack Salud was made to sing a difficult tenor aria. Ceejay Manuel Javier was effective as the master-class pianist.

The annual Toyota Classics concerts are always something to look forward to. And the Vienna Operetta Orchestra under silver-haired Siegfried Andraschek did not disappoint with its lightweight but delightful repertoire (Strauss, Lehar, etc). The orchestra had a ?clean,? soothing sound.

Andraschek even had a few tricks up his sleeve, like facing the audience and playing percussion instruments with ?cuckoo? and bird-whistle sounds. The two dancers charmed with their balletic-folk movements. Soprano Izabela Labudo gave a good account of herself but her tenor partner lacked volume.

With ?Memorare? at Philamlife Theater, the Quezon City-based Santa Teresita Parish Chorale under Ronald Raz proved once again it is one of our best parish-based choirs, if not one of the better choirs in a country known for its outstanding choral groups.

The choir?s repertoire was varied and eclectic, bringing together classical, folk, standard, novelty songs in various languages, including Latin.

One of the most significant plays of the year was Tanghalang Pilipino?s ?Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street,? adapted by Rody Vera from the novel by Benjamin Pimentel (Ateneo University Press, 2007), and directed with élan by Chris Millado.

Vera and Millado exploited the novel?s comic and dramatic possibilities, while maintaining Brechtian ?objectivity? and Garcia-Marquez ?magic realism? when the scenes threatened to become too emotional. Ensemble acting was superb.

Success

Filipino choral and instrumental talent?along with imports from Spain?came to the fore in the 10th San Agustin International Music Festival at the magnificent San Agustin Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila, believed to be the oldest church in the Philippines.

The choirs (College of the Immaculate Conception Chorale from Cabanatuan City, Chiang Kai-shek College Youth Choir and PWU Chorale) were a hit, as was trumpeter Fredeline Parin (who performed in all three nights). Joxe Benantzi Bilbao of Spain was an accomplished organist, with Chino Toledo leading the PPO.

The success of the musicfest?dedicated this year to Fray Andres de Urdaneta, OSA, (born in 1508) and also to the late National Artist Lucretia R. Kasilag?may be attributed to the dedication of the San Agustin Museum director, Fr. Pedro Galende, OSA.

Cristobal Halffter?s ?Preludio para Madrid 92? (with the Madrigal Singers, College of the Immaculate Conception Choir and UE Chorale) brought the PPO?s ?Bravo España? concert to a triumphant conclusion. Spanish conductor Halffter?yes, the composer himself?was so pleased with the audience reaction that he gave not one but three encores.

At the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater at UP-Diliman, the professionalism of Dulaang UP was again evident in the captivating play-with-music ?Atang,? engagingly directed by Alexander Cortez and written by Floy Quintos, with original score and arrangement by Von de Guzman.

As National Artist Atang de la Rama in her twilight years, Frances Makil-Ignacio was consistently excellent, and soprano Kalila Aguilos as the young Atang showed she has a flair for musical theater. In a brief number as Katy de la Cruz, Bituin Escalante was a standout.

?Atang? will be restaged Jan. 28-Feb. 8, 2009.