To mark its golden anniversary, the Silliman University Cultural Affairs Committee is doing a special Silliman Performs presentation on Aug. 23 with a showcase of local performing groups in Handulantaw. The show, to be held at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium, will also feature the debut of Orchestra Sin Arco, under the directorship of Maestro Michael Dadap.
The cultural show, directed by Dr. Susan Vista-Suarez, is the cultural highlight of the 111th Founders Day, and will feature the Kahayag Dance Company, the SU Gratitude & Goodwill Ambassadors, among others.
The CAC was founded in 1962 under the chairmanship of Prof. Miriam G. Palmore. It was formed to be the cultural arm of the University, but has since become among the primary movers of culture in Negros Oriental. In 1975, the Luce became the CAC’s permanent home and performance space.
The 50th anniversary season will celebrate Silliman’s contributions to the world of arts, including the National Writers Workshop founded by Edilberto Tiempo and National Artist for Literature Edith Tiempo, the Men’s Glee Club founded by Albert Louis Faurot, Kwerdas, and the SU Campus Choristers founded by Priscilla Magdamo-Abraham (the latter co-founded with Emmy Luague and Ruth Imperial-Pfeiffer), the Silliman Young Singers, and the Luce Choral Society founded by Isabel Dimaya-Vista, the Silliman Dance Troupe (now the Kahayag Dance Company) founded by Lucy Jumawan-Sauer and Shona Mactavish, Musika Sacra founded by Elmo Makil, the Portal Players founded by Amiel Y. Leonardia, among others. Other notable alumni include National Artist for Film Eddie Romero.
The CAC, under the leadership of Prof. Diomar Abrio, has partnered with most of the country’s top cultural groups, including Ballet Philippines, Philippine Educational Theater Association, the Manila Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Manila, Dulaang U.P., the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Repertory Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, the Bayanihan National Dance Company, the Ramon Obusan National Dance Company, the New Voice Company, Philippine Opera Company, Little Boy Productions, Cinemalaya Film Festival, British Council, Japan Foundation, and others.
Tickets for the 8pm gala concert are available at P200, P300, and P500. A special show for returning alumni will also be staged on Aug. 26. All tickets and season passes for Luce Auditorium shows are available for sale at the SU College of Performing & Visual Arts, and at the theater lobby before the show begins. For ticket reservations and other inquiries, call (035) 422-4365 or 0917-513-3312. (Ian Rosales Casocot/CAC)
