Jazz-dance Concert Held at UP Theater

Students, faculty and families flocked to the free jazz-dance concert “Sing! Dance! Sing!” February 5 at the Aldaba Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman.

The UPD Office of the Chancellor, UPD Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, UP College of Music, and the University Theater combined efforts to put on the show.

There were performances by the UP Jazz Ensemble conducted by Professor Raymundo Maigue, and the UP Dance Company with choreography from various artistic directors such as Professor Basilio Esteban Villacruz, Ms. Angel Lawengko-Baguilat and Mr. Herbert Alvarez.

Opening the program was Director Ruben D.F. Defeo of the UPD-OICA, followed by the Jazz Ensemble’s first piece called “Count Bubba” which was composed by Gordon Goodwin.

Guest performer at the event was Lara Maigue, who sang four songs accompanied by the Ensemble.

“Sing! Dance! Sing!” was one among many free performances at the Theater in February. The University Theater was full.

Songs featured in the gig were mostly American jazz, but local flavor was also infused when Boy Palacio’s arrangement of “Planting Rice” was played as well as a jazz version of “Pahinungod” composed by Ryan Cayabyab and Rio Almario.

The main style of the dance presentations was modern ballet.

The program closed by an encore performance by the UP Jazz Ensemble and the UP Dance Company.