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| Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion |
The late award-winning architect Leandro Locsin once called the Negros Provincial Capitol building as one of the most beautiful government buildings in the country. This impressive edifice was recently the venue for a grand musicale presented by the Negros Cultural Foundation Inc., Bacolod Cultural Foundation Inc., and Central Philippine Adventist College, in cooperation with the Office of Vice-Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
By the time we arrived, the Capitol Social Hall was already filled with performers and the music-loving audience, who came to have an unforgettable cultural experience. Seen among the crowd were the province's first lady, Dr. Marilyn Marañon, Patching Puentevella of Bacolod, Lyn Gamboa of the Negros Museum, and the officers and members of the participating sponsors.
The program opened with a stirring overture by the full orchestra, led by conductor Winner Silvestre. How we marveled at each masterful stroke of his baton that brought out spectacular performances from orchestra members. The Marian Missionaries then wowed the audience with their stirring renditions of favorite songs that have stood the test of time. A gifted blind young man amazed the crowd with his musical skills that brought rapturous applause.
As a fitting finale, the audience was entranced by the awesome performance of the Central Adventist College Choir and Orchestra, together with the Children's Chorus of the Bacolod Evangelical Church Orchestra, and the Negros Mission Academy Choir and Instrumental Ensemble, that brought the audience to its feet.
What a great cultural experience the evening was. Kudos to the organizers!*
