Harana refers to the traditional form of courtship where a man woos a woman’s affection by singing underneath her window. In the 1920s, the harana or kundiman became a mainstream musical style, with many popular performers including Diomedes Maturan and Ruben Tagalog performing it. A celebration of this musical tradition comes in a time when the country is rapidly losing an appreciation of our homegrown Filipino music to foreign influences. Sadly, many people are no longer interested in listening to Filipino classics composed by gifted Filipino geniuses.
The Philippine Opera Company’s HARANA: A Cultural Journey is a show that features the country’s celebrated singers Ana Feleo, Karla Patricia Gutierrez, Ma. Florence Aguilar-Barquez, Arlynne Lupas-Tecson, Jennifer Villegas, Sherwin Sozon, Glenn Gaerlan and Nazer Salcedo. More than just performers, each and everyone of these artists feel strongly about doing their part in safeguarding our very own Filipino music, as well as opening the eyes and ears of the present Filipino to the richness, glamor and opulence of our heritage.
After 6 out of 6 standing ovations in its recent Visayan tour to Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, Antique, Roxas City and Puerto Princesa, HARANA’s next stop is Dumaguete. The Silliman University Cultural Affairs Committee where will open its 48th Cultural Season for Dumaguete City with the show. It will be performed at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium on June 25, and on June 26, 2010 for regular patronage.
Repertoire for the Dumaguete shows include timeless classics such as “Bituing Marikit,” “Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak,” “Iyo Kailan Pa Man,” “Kalesa,” “Ang Maya,” “Ano Kaya Ang Kapalaran,” “Dumbele,” “Ay Salidumay,” “Waray-Waray,” “Sa Kabukiran,” “Manang Biday,” “Atin Cu Pung Singsing,” “Pobreng Alindahaw,” “Saan Ka Man Naroroon,” “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal,” “Usahay” and “Hindi Kita Malimot.”
Huwag sana nating kalimutan... Tayo’y isang bansang Malaya, mayaman at makulay ang kultura, mayabong ang kasaysayang minana, marilag na bansang pinagpala! Ating itaguyod ang Kulturang Pilipino… Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!!! - JJV
*** Those who wish to make inquiries re HARANA in Dumaguete please call 422-6002 loc. 520. ***
