A case of classical pop
EM - News Moderator 
Silent Sanctuary adds 2nd day to arena concert with MSO
SIX-PIECE Original Pilipino Music (OPM) band Silent Sanctuary will perform on the biggest stage of their career — the SM Mall of Asia Arena — for a solo concert, Gabi ng Lambing, on Oct. 24 and 25.
A second performance on Oct. 24 had to be added to the original one-night-only concert on Oct. 25 when tickets sold out in just five hours after their release online. Tickets for day two will go on sale on July 18 via SM Tickets.
In the 24 years since the band formed, Silent Sanctuary has cemented a reputation for songs about first love, heartbreak, longing, healing, and the quiet nostalgia of growing up.
Being a pioneering OPM band with a dedicated string section, they will play both fan favorites and deep cuts with the help of the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), Viva Voce, and surprise guests.
Silent Sanctuary members Raymund “Sarkie” Sarangay (guitar and vocals), Poch Villalon (synthesizers), Ronnie Ropal (bass guitar), Allen Calixto (drums), Anjo Inacay (cello), and Kim Mirandilla-Ng (violin) spoke to the press on July 10 about the concert.
“We’ll do at least 30 songs, from back then to our most recent. There will be hits, newer songs, even B-sides with a cult following,” said Mr. Sarangay. “First time namin mag-30 songs (It will be our first time doing 30 songs)!”
Speaking on what to expect from their collaboration with MSO at the concert, he said, “Nakaka-excite kasi may ibang mga kanta na walang strings, pero may wind section. I-e-explore talaga namin kung ano pa ang babagay doon sa mga kanta (It’s exciting because there are some songs without the usual strings, but with a wind section. We’ll really explore what else could suit the songs).”
While they have performed in major venues before, it is the first time they will do so with newer members Mr. Mirandilla-Ng, Mr. Ropal, and Mr. Villalon in the lineup, who helped “usher in a refreshed chapter,” the band said.
Billed as a celebration of 24 years of songs, the show will be directed by Paolo Valenciano, with Ria Osorio as musical director in charge of the orchestra, choir, and new arrangements.
“Iba ang mangyayari sa day one at day two para walang mga spoilers (Different things will happen on day one and day two of the concert to avoid spoilers),” Mr. Sarangay said, adding that they would have preferred the second day to naturally come after the original performance, but there were no other dates available.
MIXING OPM AND CLASSICAL MUSIC
Because the concert will feature the MSO and the choir Viva Voce, fans can expect the ultimate Silent Sanctuary vision of combining OPM and classical music.
“’Yung nasa imagination namin na fusion ng classical at rock, ito ang magiging ultimate na pagtupad ng vision na ’yon through our music (What is in our imagination as the fusion of classical and rock, this will be the ultimate execution of that vision through our music),” said cellist Mr. Inacay. He and violinist Mr. Mirandilla-Ng were members of the MSO prior to joining the band.
“It’s been years since we performed some of these songs on stage. Maybe the last time would have been at a bar gig or for album promotion,” he added. “Gagalingan talaga namin (We will really do our best).”
Compared to their other shows, the concert will be different in that the arena stage allows for a bigger and more cinematic performance, with some moments allowing the orchestra and choir to shine alone.
Silent Sanctuary had been featured in the MSO’s Rockestra concerts in 2005 and 2018, appearing for about three to five songs and allowing orchestra lovers to appreciate OPM. This time, it’s the band’s show that will serve as a bridge to the orchestra.
“We have this exposure to classical music, so ’yung mga natutunan namin (what we’ve learned) over the years by playing symphonies and solo pieces, that’s where we get ideas and inspiration sa pagtatahi ng (in stitching together) classical and OPM,” Mr. Inacay explained. “In our songs, it comes out through the strings because those are the classical instruments we have. For this concert, with a 40-piece orchestra and a choir, we’ll be able to expand those ideas.”
“[Classical music] has a very healthy scene. It’s not too mainstream, so we’re happy that Silent Sanctuary is becoming a window for people to hear and see what classical music is all about,” he added. — Brontë H. Lacsamana
