Berlin-based Bikolano Singer Back in Naga for Benefit Show
Sheila M. Basbas
World-class performer Jonathan De La Paz Zaens, who has performed in Europe, the US and the Philippines, is in Naga for a benefit concert dubbed "Uso pa ba ang harana: Concierto para sa Museo".
Slated on August 02, 2014, 7:00 pm at the Big Hall of the Basilica Minore in Balatas, Naga City, the show will feature timeless music and heart-warming poetry from award-winning Bicolano writer H. Francisco "Frank" Peñones. Zaens promises an entertaining night with a repertoire that includes classical music, and jukebox hits sang in a distinctive operatic style.
A former member of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Jonathan has been making waves in opera circles abroad and is one of the most sought-after classical singers in Germany. He has also been called the Piolo Pascual of classical music for his good looks and charismatic presence.
Presently based in Berlin, Jonathan was born in Naga City to Manuel Zaens and Amelita de la Paz. He is a graduate of the Naga Parochial School and the Philippine High School for the Arts, and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Voice, cum laude, at the University of the Philippines under Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion. He earned his Master's degree in Voice from the Academy of Arts in Berlin, Germany under Prof. Dr. Herbert Brauer.
Engagements have brought him to the Prague State Opera and Prague Estates Theater where he sang the Mozart roles of Leporello from Don Giovanni and Guglielmo from Cosi fan tutte. Other guest appearances include: Dulcamara from Donizetti's L'Elisir d'amore and Alidoro from Hasse's La Sorella Amante at the Neukoeliner Opera Berlin. The Abbot from Britten's Curfew River at the New Opera Stage Berlin and King Xerxes from J.C. Bach's Temistocle at the Berlin Chamber Opera.
He has recently ventured into contemporary opera, singing for the Berlin Festival 2002, the roles of Malaspina from S. Sciarrino's Die Toedliche Blume and Luzifer in K. Stockhausen's Michael's Jugend aus Donnerstag aus Licht. For the Salzburg Festival 2003, he sang the baritone part in the world premier of Stockhausen's Duefte-Zeichen.
The Berlin based Bass-baritone is also a much sought interpreter of Oratorio (sacred) Music, performing regularly the bass solo parts in: J.S. Bach's St. John and St. Matthew Passion, the Christmas Oratorio, the b-minor Mass and his cantatas; Mendelssohn's Elijah and Paulus; Handel's Messiah; Hyden's Creation; Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle; Saint-Saens' Oratorio de Noel; Dvorak's Stabat mater and the Requiem settings of Brahms, Mozart, Faure and Verdi.
Jonathan is a prize winner of the 7th Sylvia Gesxty International Coloratura Voice Competition and a Finalist of the 13th Jonathan Bach International Competition. He has also released a CD album entitled "Kundiman: Philippine Art Songs", with musical arrangement by Ryan Cayabyab, and piano accompaniment by Abelardo Galang II.
Of Jonathan, Pablo Tariman of the Philippine Daily Inquirer said, “There are singers and singers, but only a few have a gift for interpretation that goes beyond what the text and music signify.”
Proceeds from the concert will go to the on-going construction of Our Lady of Penafrancia Museum and for the benefit of Camerata Kultura Scholars, a group of young singers.
DIBA and Camerata Cultura would like to thank the following for their support: PAGCOR, San Miguel Beer, Bimbo Construction, Bigg's Diner, Avenue Plaza Hotel, Cafe Plazuela, Red Platter, Bicol Mail, GoldPrint, Bob Marlin, Zonta Club of Naga & Camarines Sur, Max's Restaurant, O+ USA, Mr.& Mrs. Nixon Cu. Special thanks to Congressman Wimpy Fuentebella, ABS-CBN Naga , GNN, GMA and
RMN-DWNX.
To get your tickets please text or call these numbers 0927-705-9508, 09209258454.
Uso Pa Ba Ang Harana?
Concierto Para sa Museo
August 02, 2014
@ The Big Hall of Basilica Minore
