The Nightingales “Sing” Their Lecture at Hungary’s Premiere Music School

The Nightingales perform a traditional lullaby during the Franz Liszt Academy, Hungary’s premiere music school in Budapest. (Budapest PE photo)

BUDAPEST 27 June 2018 – The musical duo “The Nightingales” presented a special mini-lecture on Philippine music at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest on 13 June 2018.

The Nightingales took the listeners on a musical journey through Philippine history, tracing the evolution of Filipino songs from tribal chants all the way to the modern Original Pilipino Music. The audience included members of the diplomatic corps, the academe, and the public.

The “Nightingales,” Bianca Camille Lopez and Ma. Rhina Palma-Cruz, both soprano singers and soloists, sang in the style of “bel canto” (beautiful voice) as they presented their “lecture.”

The two are former members of the famous Philippine Madrigal Singers, and have performed in different countries in Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa.

Philippine Ambassador to Hungary Maria Fe T. Pangilinan opened the program by expressing her appreciation for the interest shown by the audience on Filipino music, stating that the musical presentations are part of the cultural diplomacy activities of the Philippine Embassy in Budapest, intended to introduce the Philippines to the Hungarian public and enhance people-to-people ties.

The Nightingales talked about the importance of early Philippine music to the tribal communities of the country, and how these are tied to the cycle of life of each individual. The duo also serenaded the audience with folk lullabies and songs sang in the different languages of the country.

They also focused on the “Kundiman,” which showcased the romantic side of Filipino music and the rise of the many well known composers of said genre. The Nightingales also showed the Western influence that can be seen in modern Filipino music.

A most unexpected treat for the lively audience was an impromptu music lesson from The Nightingales, who shared some tips on how to sing in the proper way, through breathing exercises and relaxed muscles.

The program was organized with the assistance of the Franz Liszt Academy, which provided the venue, the personnel, and technical support for the activity.

The Academy is the premiere musical school in Hungary, which was founded by the great composer Franz Liszt himself. Many great Hungarian musicians, and from other countries trained at the Franz Liszt Academy. END

For more information, visit www.budapestpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineEmbassyBudapest.

Philippine Ambassador to Hungary Maria Fe T. Pangilinan delivers her opening remarks. (Photo: Budapest PE)

The audience participate in singing exercises. (Budapest PE photo)