Concert focusing on the human voice

By Zsarlene B. Chua

Concert
AKAPELA
Featuring Baihana and Pinopela
April 23, 7:30 p.m.
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium,
RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave. cor. Buendia Ave., Makati City

TWO OF the country’s premier a cappella groups will be holding a concert in order to raise funds for one group’s participation in an international singing tilt in Singapore.

The concert on April 23, entitled AKAPELA, will feature the all-female vocal trio Baihana, and Pinopela, an alumni group of the acclaimed Saint Louis Glee Club.

“One of the reasons why we’re doing this concert the costs [of competing]… as we lack sponsors,” said JJ Valiente Pimpinio of Pinopela during the press conference on April 11 in Quezon City.

The group — composed of Ingrid Payaket (soprano), Roxane Omilda (soprano/power belter), Sheevani Brylle Sibayan (alto), Charmaine Irish Suyo (alto), Mr. Pimpinio (tenor), Anthony Castillo (tenor), Deo Ramirez (baritone), Timmy Go (bass/arranger) and Zsaris Mendioro (beatbox) — is set to represent the country at the International A Cappella Championship in Singapore in July.

A cappella is group or solo singing without instrumental accompaniment.

The Baguio-based group was initially formed to compete in the annual Akapela Open, organized by the Music School of Ryan Cayabyab, in 2013 where they placed second. The following year, they won the championship. The group then went on to perform and introduce “audiences previously unacquainted to contemporary a cappella,” said a press release.

Pinopela’s expertise lies in contemporary a cappella — many of the songs the group performs are modern or pop pieces. For the April 23 concert, the group’s repertoire will international hits such as “Skyfall” by Adele and a Beyonce medley, “Ako na Lang” by Zia Quizon and Jungee Marcelo, and Ryan Cayabyab compositions such as “Araw Gabi” and “Tunay na Ligaya.”

Baihana is best known for its doo-wop take on standards and current radio hits. Its members are Krina Cayabyab (Ryan Cayabyab’s daughter), Anna Graham and Melinda Torre.

Mr. Pimpinio reckoned that they would have to raise P100,000 to successfully fund Pinopela’s entry into the Singapore competition, although he said that they are also raising funds for the Philippine A cappella Society of which Pinopela and Baihana are members.

“We have a lot of plans [for the society] for this year and the following years to help other a cappella groups so they won’t find it hard to find funding,” he said.

He added that they also plan (“if the concert gets sold out”) to tour the concert and bring it to Baguio, Pinopela’s home turf.

For tickets, call 0917-678-0952, 914-5055, or 637-9840, or visit The Ryan Cayabyab Music School at the basement level of Robinsons Galleria.