Operatic Heroines Shine in Tribute to Women in Opera

MANILA, Philippines — This May, the grandeur and emotional power of opera will shine in Operatic Heroines: A Tribute to the Power and Complexity of Women in Opera, a one-night-only concert celebrating the iconic female figures of the operatic tradition. The event will be held on May 3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Manila Piano Showroom, Paseo de Magallanes.

The program will spotlight twelve legendary female characters from twelve different operas—each distinct in personality, vocal demand, and dramatic depth. This exceptional evening promises a journey through the emotional and artistic range of opera’s most unforgettable heroines.

Bringing these roles to life are three of the country’s most accomplished award-winning sopranos: Angeli Benipayo, Nerissa de Juan, and Marielle Tuason. They will be accompanied by Gabriel Allan Ferros Paguirigan, one of the most sought-after collaborating artists in the Philippine classical music scene.

Further cementing the international recognition of the featured artists, Soprano Nerissa de Juan was recently accepted to perform the role of Micaëla in Bizet’s Carmen with the Singapore Lyric Opera, marking a milestone in her growing operatic career.

The repertoire spans from the Baroque era to the 20th century, featuring both well-known favorites and rarely performed gems:

• D’Oreste d’Ajace – Elettra from Mozart’s "Idomeneo"
• Letter Scene – Tatiana from Tchaikovsky’s "Eugene Onegin"
• Ragion nell’alma siede – Flaminia from Haydn’s "Il Mondo della Luna"
• Il est doux, il est bon – Salome from Massenet’s "Hérodiade"
• Oh nube! Che lieve…Nella pace del mesto riposo – Maria Stuarda from Donizetti’s "Maria Stuarda"
• Großmächtige Prinzessin – Zerbinetta from Strauss’s "Ariadne auf Naxos"

Many of these arias will be performed for the first time in the Philippines, offering a rare opportunity to hear their technical brilliance and emotional richness live on stage.

From the lyrical finesse of Handel to the romantic passion of Tchaikovsky and the dramatic intensity of Wagner, "Operatic Heroines" offers a powerful tribute to the women of opera—on and off stage.

Tickets are available now through our events calendar. Join us for a spectacular celebration of voice, artistry, and the timeless women of opera.