Esteemed classical vocalist Dariusz Machej breathes life into the iconic character of Don Pasquale, the wealthy old bachelor in Gaetano Donizetti’s beloved opera buffa. This rendition takes place on March 8, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.
Addressing the dearth of opera productions in the country, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the PPO present a concert-style performance of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale as part of the orchestra’s 39th concert season.
Don Pasquale narrates the comedic tale of an elderly bachelor who, in a bid to disinherit his nephew Ernesto, decides to marry. However, his cunning plans are hilariously foiled by a series of misunderstandings and mistaken identities, set to a backdrop of lively music and witty dialogue.
Under the masterful direction of PPO music director and principal conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, the PPO delivers timeless masterpieces by the Italian composer, with Machej reprising the titular role of Don Pasquale in its Philippine debut.
Machej made his debut in 1997 as Don Magnifico in Rossini’s La Cenerentola at the Warsaw Chamber Opera, honing his craft under esteemed mentors such as Prof. Wlodzimierz Zalewski, Prof. Ryszard Karczykowski, and Prof. William Mateuzzi. With over 30 productions to his credit, Machej has collaborated with renowned institutions such as the MET, Theater an der Wien, and Israeli Opera Tel Aviv.
The opera features acclaimed performers Dorota Sobieska as Norina and Byeong-in Park as Dr. Malatesta, alongside emerging Filipino opera talents Nomher Nival as Ernesto and Zadkiel John Yarcia as the Notary.
The chorus, comprising talented members including Angelica Rose Martin Benipayo, Camille Maica Magallanes Juanitez, and Charina Althea Balmores, is under the guidance of chorus master Leo Angelo Malig Lanuza, with repetiteur Reynaldo Gendrano.
Tickets for PPO Concert VII: Don Pasquale range from Php3000 to Php800 and are available at the CCP Box Office and TicketWorld.
The PPO concert season is made possible with the support of partners such as SSI Group, Inc., TBWA\SMP, Ascott Bonifacio Global City, and 98.7 DZFE – The Master’s Touch. For more information, visit the CCP website and follow their official social media accounts for updates.
