Ben&Ben to integrate drama, dance, orchestra, technology in their upcoming online concert 'Kuwaderno'

Ben&Ben aims to redefine the virtual concert experience with their upcoming online show "Kuwaderno."

Happening in December, "Kuwaderno" will see the Filipino nine-piece collective pushing boundaries by "integrating creative disciplines such as drama, dance, orchestra, and technology with a live performance," read a press statement. 

The Ben&Ben concert will be staged at the Araneta Coliseum and will be streamed live on December 5, 2021 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. via the digital streaming platform KTX.ph.

The award-winning group said "it’s the biggest project we’ve undertaken so far."

"You just somehow know that it’s a leap of faith when the streams of guidance and providence lead you to the right people who believe in the same vision you have: To bring the music and the messages they carry to life," the band was quoted as saying.

In working on the concert, the group brought the same "spirit of collaboration" that defined their recently album, "Pebble House Volume One: Kuwaderno," they said.

"As for the play between grand and intimate, we really wanted our listeners to relish in the grandiosity of what their support means to us," they added.

The audio-visual spectacle promises to bring "the immense joy of experiencing live music and give an impression of conceptual grandness that are at par with the most memorable concerts in recent history. "

Despite the limitations of the platform, "Kuwaderno" according to the press release aims to open new possibilities and build connections with audiences all over the world.

Among team behind "Kuwaderno" includes concert director Paolo Valenciano, co-director Maribel Legarda, the Philippine Theater Association (PETA), and veteran light designer Shakira Villa-Syme.

"Working closely with them on this concert only made it clearer to us why they are the biggest names in the industry," the group said.

To better convey other feelings, the group decided to bring different disciplines of art together in their concert, including actors and dancers as part of the visual narrative.

The press release said this is to "give the audience a semblance of being physically present with them throughout the concert journey."

“The talented dancers we’ve worked with, headed by choreographer Gio Gahol, are from different dance groups as well. It is amazing to see how they seem to get along and dance so passionately with each other easily," Ben&Ben said.

Production design is also one to watch as each will stage have its own purpose, symbolism, and visual elements.

“We want our listeners to know that each piece of the puzzle was thoughtfully included, and we’re excited to see them piece everything together when they watch the full show," the band said.

Ben&Ben hopes that through the concert their fans will "be able to use our platform in making them feel that they’re not alone in this fight.”

Tickets to Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert can be purchased via the KTX website.

The TINATANGI package (priced at P8,000) gives access to the online concert, plus an Exclusive 1-on-1 Harana Session with the band on Zoom and a raffle entry to the Exclusive Ben&Ben House Tour, is already sold out.

The following are other ticket tiers, all containing different packages and inclusions, that are still available:

• KAIBIGAN: P1,000
• MAGKA-IBIGAN: P3,500
• MAHIWAGA: P5,500 

— LA, GMA News