Seasoned classical singer Dariusz Machej brings to life Don Pasquale, the famous wealthy old bachelor character in Gaetano Donizetti’s most popular opera buffa, on March 8, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.
To address the dry spell of opera productions in the country, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the PPO present a concert-style performance of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale as part of the orchestra’s 39th concert season.
Don Pasquale tells the comedic story of an elderly bachelor, Don Pasquale, who decides to marry in order to disinherit his nephew, Ernesto. However, things take a humorous turn when his scheming plans are thwarted by a series of comical misunderstandings and mistaken identities. Filled with lively music and witty dialogue, Don Pasquale is a delightful opera known for its entertaining plot and memorable characters.
Under the baton of PPO music director and principal conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, the PPO performs timeless masterpieces by the Italian composer, with Machej reprising the titular role of Don Pasquale in the Philippine premiere.
Machej first made his performing debut back in 1997, when he played the role of Don Magnifico in Rossini’s La Cenerentola at the Warsaw Chamber Opera. He was trained under esteemed teachers such as Prof. Wlodzimierz Zalewski, Prof. Ryszard Karczykowski, and Prof. William Mateuzzi,
Over the years, he has performed in over 30 productions, in cooperation with the MET, Theater an der Wien, Israeli Opera Tel Aviv, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, and National Centre for the Performing Arts Pekin. He also participated in various music festivals around Europe such as the Rossini Opera Festival (Pesaro) and Festival di Musica Sacra “Anima Mundi” (Pisa) which both were held in Italy.
The opera features renowned opera singers Dorota Sobieska (Norina) and Byeong-in Park (Dr. Malatesta), with Filipino up-and-coming opera stars Nomher Nival (Ernesto) and Zadkiel John Yarcia (Notary).
Chorus members include: Angelica Rose Martin Benipayo, Camille Maica Magallanes Juanitez, Charina Althea Balmores, Donna Klariz Baluyut, Chelsy Franchette Rosell, Jho-merita A. Chua-so, Nerissa Cabotaje De Juan, Maria Vicella C. Villasin, Gabriel Remoroza Ramos, Keanu Gregan R. Rebadeo. Joshua Angelo Fabros Mondares, Ruzzel Adrian Garcia Clemeno, Nelson Jr. L. Borongan, E C Raquiz Garcia, Paul Mark Raguin Gayanilo.
The chorus master will be Leo Angelo Malig Lanuza, with repetiteur Reynaldo Gendrano.
Tickets to PPO Concert VII: Don Pasquale are priced at Php3000 (Orchestra Center), Php2000 (Orchestra Side), Php2500 (Loge Center), Php1500 (Loge Side), and Php800 (Balcony 1). Tickets are available at the CCP Box Office at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP BLackbox Theater) and TicketWorld.
The PPO concert season is made possible with partners SSI Group, Inc., TBWA\SMP, Ascott Bonifacio Global City, Lyf Malate Manila, 98.7 DZFE – The Master’s Touch, Philippine Sports Commission, and Pick and Click Flower Express. For more information, visit the CCP (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest updates.
