‘Noli Me Tangere: The Opera’ to be staged in Manila

"Noli Me Tangere," the opera composed by the late National Artist Felipe de Leon based on Jose Rizal's classic novel, will have a limited run next month at the Resorts World Manila's Newport Performing Arts Theater.

The production is fresh from a successful two-night staging at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. last August 8 and 9, where it was well-received by critics and audiences.

The Manila production will star tenor and Los Angeles Opera Company artist Sal Malaki as Crisostomo Ibarra and soprano Rachelle Gerodias as Maria Clara. It will be directed by Freddie Santos, and the orchestra will be under the baton of Manila Philharmonic Orchestra music director and conductor Rodel Colmenar.

Filipino-American businesswoman and philanthropist Loida Nicolas-Lewis, who brought the production to New York, Washington D.C. and now Manila, said she encourages the public to see the opera. "Seeing the opera will enhance their love for the art, literature and country. This is truly once in a lifetime because they may not see Felipe de Leon's 'Noli' opera again since the last time it was presented was  27 years ago, in 1987," she said. — BM, GMA News

"Noli Me Tangere: The Opera" will run from September 12 to September 28 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

For more information, visit the production's Facebook and Twitter accounts, email nolimetangere@gmail.com or call 899-7938 to 39.

Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph. For group ticket sales, contact Mark Manalang at 0917-825-3489, or Dennis Villaluz at 788-9108 or 0916-857-1553.