When Poland met España: An evening of grandeur
by Jordan Thomas Pimentel
When night fell Oct. 26, the interiors of the Grand Hall of the UST Museum were filled with brilliance and splendor as the Polish vocal ensemble, ProForma serenaded the people with their lighthearted and expressive à capella arrangements.
Conductor Marcin Wawruk led the ensemble in an evening of playful, yet captivating concert in a small, intimate session with the Thomasians, which involved mostly of Polish classics, a couple of songs by Bobby McFerrin,
People from the audience shuddered as Tiny Tim’s Tiptoe Through The Tulips was performed.
Although the group’s rendition is more relaxed and cheerful, the audience still could not shake off the chills as they recall the moments where the song was played in the 2010 horror film Insidious.
Despite the fear the song entails, they still found ProForma’s version quite pleasant.
With the audience warm appreciation of the masterpiece, Wawruk expressed his gratitude, especially to the UST Singers and its founder, Fidel Calalang in jest.
“You are so famous in the world and we became friends many years ago and the friendship is still alive,” Wawruk regarded Calalang in glee. “I hope it lasts a few more years.”
Calalang reminisced his first moments with Wawruk during his stay in Spain last 2002.
“It began as a beautiful friendship that connected the Philippines and Poland instantly,” he added, “[and it’s] because of the exchange of cultures, and most especially because of the love and passion for choral music.”
ProForma also performed at the University of the Philippines — Diliman last Friday, Oct. 27.
The concert became possible through the cooperation of the UST Singers and UST Composition, Conducting, and Music Technology Department and the UP Concert Chorus.
