Introduction to Opera Components

Opera

• An opera is a drama that is mainly sung and accompanied by instruments.
• It includes varied forms of overture, solo songs or arias, duets, choruses, and other vocal combinations.
• An opera consists of the following major components: librettists, composers, conductors, dancers, soloists, choristers, choreographers, stage directors, lighting designers, set and costume designers, and other working forces of a theatrical production.

Structure of an Opera

• An opera consists of one to several acts, which are usually divided into scenes.
• Varied singing styles are present in opera, including aria (a self-contained piece for one voice), recitative, vocal duos, ballet, and instrumental numbers.

Philippine Opera

• European opera companies visited the Philippines in the 1860s and introduced opera, which became the main attraction in Manila during the 19th-20th centuries.
• Opera presentations were performed inside the theater.

Notable Philippine Operas

• Sandugong Panaginip (Dream of Blood Compact) is an original Filipino opera by Pedro Paterno, composed by Ladislao Bonus, and staged at Teatro Zorilla on August 2, 1902.
• Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) is a Philippine Opera written by different experts, premiered and produced by the Music Promotion Foundation of the Philippines on February 5, 1957.
• La Loba Negra (The Black She Wolf) is a Philippine Opera created by Francisco Feliciano, first performed on August 18, 1984.
• San Andres B is a Filipino opera that has 2 acts and describes the nation's transformation and evolution after the 19th century.

Philippine Theater Production

• Philippine Theater Production ranged from original plays that depicted the arts and culture of the country to international theater classics.
• Leading prominent Philippine theater performing groups include PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association) and Tanghalang Pilipino.
• PETA is an innovative theater group cultivating a modern perspective on Philippine art and society.
• Tanghalang Pilipino is one of the leading exponents of the Philippine theater and works under the company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.