It always thrills me when, sometimes by a stroke of luck, I end up watching performers that simply blow my mind. They don’t always have to be the biggest pop stars in the world or everyone’s favorite Facebook flex. When talented people I know nothing about are simply just a joy to watch, it’s like a gift from heaven.
Take this married couple Rachelle Gerodias and Byeong In Park, for instance. She is a Filipino soprano with a master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Vocal Literature from the famed Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and has appeared in numerous opera productions in the US, Japan, here in the Philippines, and other Asian countries. He is a Korean baritone who trained under the great tenor Francisco Araiza at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Stuttgart, Germany, and had been a guest soloist at the Graz Opera Theater performing roles in La Boheme and Lohengrin.
Their impressive resumes are only matched by their mind-blowing voices. I don’t always go out to watch operas, but I chanced upon a concert they headlined in December called “Ngayon Na, Kabataan.” It was a fundraising dinner for the Knights of Rizal aimed to support their youth programs centered on the ideals and teachings of Jose Rizal.
During the show, both headliners sang arias, solos, did duets, busted out some Broadway, and even OPM songs. Byeong In may not speak a lot of our language but when sings a Tagalog love song in his strong baritone, all bets are off. At a rehearsal, he sang a sample of “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal” to Rachelle, after which she sighed and said she has fallen in love all over again.
The couple clearly has easy chemistry and real admiration for each another. During a break in rehearsal, Rachelle shared how Byeong In sort of tricked her into going out on a date with him by pretending he invited all their co-performers out. He just sat there smiling and nodding as Rachelle told a few more stories, including the time they were choosing a name for their first-born son. Apparently, they wanted to name him after our national hero until Rachelle realized the baby would end up with the name Jose Rizal Park. After a bit of explaining, Byeong In agreed to go with another name.
On stage at “Ngayon Na, Kabataan,” their chemistry was more overtly expressed with their powerful intertwining voices that filled the Tent City and captivated the audience of about 700. Their guests were also a revelation especially to those who hadn’t seen them before. One highlight was Rachelle’s glorious duet with guest performer Atty. Joey Lina on “The Prayer.” The former senator and current president of The Manila Hotel shared he’s had no formal training, but man, can he sing! The other guest performer, Atty Mike Toledo, also did not disappoint.
It is always great to be stunned by new experiences. May this new year bring all of us beauty and joy when we least expect it. Happy 2020!