The 14th edition of “An Evening with the Classics” that happened last June 15 and 16, 2024 at the Capitol Grounds, VJR Hall, immersed music enthusiasts and enjoyers with world-class performances, transforming the annual Baragatan sa Palawan Festival into a memorable celebration of musical heritage. 

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), and the Malampaya Joint Venture Partners joined hands with the Office of the Governor to present this spectacular event.           

The two-night event featured the impressive talents of tenor Ervin Notes Lumauag, soprano Stefanie Quintin-Avila, and pianist Edna Beth Tablazon-Abis, each bringing their distinct musical prowess to the stage.

From classics, OPM ballads, and Broadway favorites

Ervin Notes Lumauag captivated the audience with his powerful voice and attention-catching performances. His diverse array of song lists included classical pieces like “Granada” by Agustín Lara, the dramatic “La donna è mobile” from Verdi’s Rigoletto, and the playful “Mein Herr Marquis” from Strauss’s Die Fledermaus. Ervin also showcased his versatility with beloved Filipino classics such as “Sa Kabukiran ” by Manuel Velez and “Lagi Kitang Naaalala” by Levi Celerio and Leopoldo Silos. 

Stefanie Quintin-Avila awed the audiences with her striking voice-range, delivering stunning renditions of “Les Filles de Cadix” by Léo Delibes and musical theater favorites like “All I Ask of You” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. Her performance of the aria “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga” by Cecile Azarcon was particularly memorable, resonating deeply with the audience with a thunderous applause from the listeners. 

Edna Beth Tablazon-Abis, a prodigious talent from Palawan, provided exquisite piano accompaniment throughout the show. Her expressive playing was the perfect complement to the vocal performances, showcasing her skill and artistry.

The Palawan Government’s Chorale group also took the stage, starting off with a thrilling rendition of the Kinaray-a Folk Song “Kruhay”, Gloc 9’s hit “Upuan”, and classic Filipino tunes like “Leron Leron Sinta” that got the audience singing along with them.

Highlighting Filipino talent and heritage

Caesar Magbanua, the concert organizer and chairperson of Baragatan 2024, emphasized the significance of events like these for the people of Palawan to experience music from both local and global perspectives. “We have to give our young people an opportunity to be exposed to this kind of performance art”, Magbanua shared in an interview. “We’re surprised na maraming dumating na young people. So we’re grateful sa ibinigay na opportunity sa atin na makadala ng world-class performances dito sa Palawan.” 

Edna Beth Tablazon-Abis is hopeful for the next generation of Palawenyo musicians. Through her work as a performer and educator, she advocates the value of discipline, a positive mindset, and life skills that come with experiencing the joy of music. “I just want people to be able to appreciate this. It’s not just about the  different eras of music. One thing that we need to treasure most is the Filipino songs, Tagalog,” said Edna in an interview. 

                                                                                                                   An Evening with the Classics is a staple arts and performance project by the Government of Palawan, bringing top-notch performances and talented artists to our local community. This event truly enhances our arts scene and contributes to the cultural landscape. Once again, An Evening with the Classics has proven to be a special celebration of talent, passion, and the timeless beauty of music. It shines brightly, adding to the cultural richness of Palawan.