World-class artists set the stage for Intramuros Evenings: La Voix Humaine this November 12

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Intramuros Administration (IA) team up for another night of artistic bliss for the third installation of Intramuros Evenings, featuring Francis Poulenc’s Aubade Concerto and La Voix Humaine (The Human Voice) on November 12, 2025, 7 p.m. at Centro de Turismo in Intramuros, Manila.

Intramuros Evenings: La Voix Humaine begins with Poulenc’s Aubade. Originally conceived as a ballet, the piece is now performed as a chamber concerto for piano and 18 instruments. This blend of 18th-century neoclassicism and 20th-century French style will be headlined by world-renowned pianist and former CCP President Raul Sunico, with the University of Santo Tomas Symphony Orchestra (USTSO) providing music accompaniment.

Following Aubade is La Voix Humaine, a one-act monodrama revolving around Elle, who exchanges goodbyes with her lover through a series of fragmented phone calls. Under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, Filipina soprano Armela Fortuna breathes life into the protagonist as she sings with USTSO’s resonating harmonies. 

A powerful collaboration for a one-night-only show

Harnessing the power of the arts to surpass cultural barriers, Intramuros Evenings: La Voix Humaine is brought to life with the brilliant collaboration of Gawad CCP Para sa Sining awardees.

2020 Gawad CCP awardee Nonon Padilla directs, while 2024 Gawad CCP awardee Gino Gonzales takes the helm of production design, and Gawad CCP and current CCP Trustee Monino Duque, for lighting design. 

Gonzales is known for repurposing local materials in his set designs. Duque, on the other hand, will decorate the historic walls of Intramuros with his expertise.

Works of the late projection and video designer GA Fallarme will also illuminate the special production of Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine. 

Meanwhile, world-renowned Filipino fashion designer Josie Natori lends her elegance and sensuality to the costume design of the production. With generosity and creative touch, Natori dresses the soprano performer, transforming the stage into a gallery of elegance where music and fashion intertwine. 

Behind the stage of Intramuros Evenings

Behind the scenes, the collaborative work of renowned theater practitioners will mount Intramuros Evenings: La Voix Humaine. The collective efforts of production manager Nikki Garde-Torres, assistant production manager Myka Cheong, and technical director Louie Alcoran maintain the seamless flow and integration of music and visual art. Stage managers Nenen Espina, Pearl Boronilla, Raine, and June Niel Belisario also safeguard the artistic vision of the performance.

Intramuros Evenings: La Voix Humaine comes after Tanghalang Pilipino Inc.’s devised production of Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon? and Serenata ng Banda last July and September 2025, respectively. 

Transforming the Walled City into a cultural hub, the longstanding partnership between the CCP and the IA reaffirms the goal of both institutions to further immerse the Filipino community in opera and theater.

With La Voix Humaine as the third of four productions planned for the year, Intramuros Evenings remains committed to showcasing the voices, instruments, and designs of formidable Filipino artists, while promoting and pursuing classic and modern arts.

Witness a raw staging of heartbreak in Intramuros Evenings: La Voix Humaine, on November 12, 2025, 7 p.m. at the Centro de Turismo, Intramuros, Manila. The event is free and open to the public, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on CCP’s events, visit its official website (https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/). You may also follow CCP’s official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok for updates on future events, productions, and workshops.