Filipino American Leslie Damaso has released the album of her staged musical performance “ Sirena .” CONTRIBUTED MINERAL POINT, Wis. — Filipino American Leslie Damaso has released the album to her staged musical performance “ Sirena ,” which tells the tale of a mythic love triangle between a mermaid, the sun and the moon.
With Damaso as singer-storyteller and kulintang player accompanied by a seven-piece band, the work features contemporary arrangements of kulintang (Philippine or Southeast Asian gongs) pieces and kundiman (torch songs) of love and freedom. Classical and jazz elements are combined with traditional music of the Philippines. “There is also poetry,” says Damaso.
“‘Sirena’ blends a personal story and family secrets ...
[it ends] in the beginning of a nation, the displacement of its people, an individual’s perspective of belonging and a spectacular celebration of community.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .
The show has been performed in Wisconsin, the Bay Area, Seattle and Chicago. The album is digital release and will be followed by a double vinyl release. In addition to original works, the album’s 15 entries include rearrangements of Nicanor Abelardo’s “Mutya Ng Pasig,” “Ang Aking Bayan,” and “Nasaan Ka Irog;” Mike Velarde, Jr’s “Dahil Sa Iyo;” and Constancio de Guzman’s “Bayan Ko.
” Leslie Damaso �.
