Pinay opera singer makes New York debut

Filipino soprano Armela Fortuna makes her New York debut in “Cantares,” a classical program featuring the best in Philippine and European music.

She will be performing with up-and-coming Filipino American artists Jared Martin and Jellyn Anne Echon. The trio will be accompanied by pianist Maximillian Antig.

Some selections from “Cantares” include Handel’s Piangero, “Puccini’s Quando m’envo,” Gershwin’s “Summertime,” and Rachmaninov’s “Spring Waters.” Noted Filipino pieces from Francisco Santiago’s “Ano Kaya Ang Kapalaran?,” Nicanor Abelardo’s “Mutya ng Pasig,” and Lucio San Pedro’s “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” are also in the repertoire.

Now based in France, Fortuna studied under Prof. Gloria Coronel at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Kevin Miller at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, and Professor Francis Jeser at Consevatoire à Rayonnement Départemental de Colmar in France.

Fortuna has played several operatic roles including Rosalinda in “Die Fledermaus” by Johann Strauss and Micaela in Georges Bizet’s Carmen.”

“Cantares” is directed by J. William Herbert Sigmund Go, former artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Pilipino. It is a production of Philippine Pearl, an event production company promoting diversity in the performing arts.

"Cantares” will be presented September 27th, 7 p.m. at the Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall on Fifth Avenue. For tickets, contact Kimberly (917)670-6395 or Cicero (646)266-1648. — The FilAm