South Looper sings out
cantor at Old St. Mary's has produced an opera
05/27/2012 10:24 AM
If you are reading this today--and can get over to the Harris Theater on Randolph Street by 3 PM, you can catch an opera that's worth investing time in during a few hours on a Sunday afternoon over a holiday weekend. I saw the US premier of Noli Me Tangere last night and loved it. It's sung in one of the two official languages of the Philippines--Tagalog--with English subtitles. It was composed in 1957--and delves deeply into the culture and political history of the Philippines, which is a lot deeper than I suspected before last night. The novel--written in 1887--upon which the opera is based got its author executed, as a matter of fact.
As in most operas, it's billed in its promotion "as a story of love, betrayal and revenge." It doesn't disappoint--and would make Verdi, Puccini and Wagner jealous, had they been around in 1957.
Most importantly, the producer of Noli Me Tangere is Karrel Bernardo, a baritone--and a Clinical Nurse Specialist at UIC Medical Center--who also plays the role of "Elias" in the production--which is, as they say, a pivotal role! Bernado is the cantor at a famous South Loop religious institution--Old St. Mary's at 15th and Michigan!
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By Gerardo Gaddi
Posted: 08/03/2012 9:46 AM
Do not despair, for there's more of this to come. In fact, we're definitely, staging Noli Me Tangere in New York which will take place in October 2013. We're also in talks to produce this in Washington Dc and Boston soon after! I'll make sure to keep you in the loop soon as we settle the official dates of the show
By Victoria from KY
Posted: 06/04/2012 9:11 PM
Does anybody know of any other places or dates this will be shown? We could not make it that weekend.
By Jeanne Cox from Des Plaines
Posted: 05/30/2012 8:35 AM
An absolute delight! KGB Productions and Da Corneto Opera collaboration in presenting Noli Me Tangere was simply outstanding. What a treat to be able to hear and view this wonderful opera for the first time right here in Chicago. The only regret was that we did not get to hear even more of Karrel Bernardo's haunting baritone voice. His portrayal and singing of the role of Elias was wonderful. Great cast! Bravo to one and all involved in this undertaking.