Songbird Sings Streisand

Last updated

Songbird Sings Streisand
Residency by Regine Velasquez
Songbird Sings Streisand.jpg
Promotional poster for the show
Location Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Venue Onstage Theater
Start dateNovember 14, 2003
End dateDecember 20, 2003
Legs1
No. of shows12
Regine Velasquez concert chronology

Songbird Sings Streisand was a concert residency and tribute show by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez at the Onstage Theater in Makati. The residency began on November 14 and concluded on December 20, 2003, after completing twelve shows. The set list contained songs recorded by American singer-songwriter Barbra Streisand, who Velasquez described as an inspiration and influence. It featured Streisand's extensive catalogue in music, film, and theatre. The show was exclusively promoted by Maximedia International. Raul Mitra served as musical director for the production. Reviews for the show were generally positive, with critics praising Velasquez's vocal ability.

Contents

Background and development

Regine Velasquez's music was influenced by foreign artists early in her career. [1] She has been vocal of her admiration for American singer-songwriter Barbra Streisand, who she cites as her "musical inspiration" and "most revered idol". [2] She has stated, "I’ve been singing [Streisand's] songs since I was 12 years old ... but they are not easy to sing. They’re very difficult. The melodies are very complicated." [3] Velasquez further said that she admires Streisand's "fearlessness" and "dedication to excellence". [2] In the early 1990s, Velasquez first performed a Streisand tribute show at the Mandarin Oriental Manila's Captain's Bar which was staged for four nights. [3]

On October 25, 2003, the Philippine Daily Inquirer announced that Velasquez would return to perform a Streisand tribute show at the Onstage Theater in Makati for six nights on all weekends of November. [4] All the songs on the show were selected from Streisand's extensive catalogue in music, film and theatre. Velasquez described the process as a "daunting task" and added that she hoped to include a variety of genres from "classics" to "standards". [4] Velasquez re-teamed with Raul Mitra as musical director after their collaborations in 2001's Regine at the Movies and 2002's Songbird Sings. [3] [5] [6] A week after the last performance, Maximedia added six more dates in December, bringing the number to twelve shows. [7]

Synopsis and reception

The concert began with Velasquez performing "As If We Never Said Goodbye". At the conclusion of the song, the curtains opened to reveal rows of musicians across the stage while she transitioned directly to Anyone Can Whistle 's theme "Everybody Says Don't". She then sat centerstage and sang a medley of "Comin' In and Out of Your Life", "Kiss Me in the Rain", and "My Heart Belongs to Me". For the next number, she did renditions of Streisand's collaborations with the Bee Gees: "Guilty" and "Woman in Love". The set list continued with songs from the soundtrack of Streisand's 1976 musical romance drama A Star Is Born . "Memory" and "Send In the Clowns" were performed afterwards, before she closed the segment with a medley of "With One Look" and "Somewhere". [3] [8]

The next segment started with the show tune "Don't Rain on My Parade" from the musical Funny Girl . Velasquez then sang "The Way We Were", before continuing with a medley of Streisand's duets, such as "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", "Till I Loved You", and "I Finally Found Someone". Shortly after, she stood next to the piano for a performance of "The Music of the Night" with Raul Mitra. This was followed by a Latin-oriented rendition of "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)". Next, she sang the show title tune "Songbird". After singing excerpts from "Papa, Can You Hear Me?", Velasquez proceeded to perform the songs from the 1983 musical film Yentl . She closed the show with an encore performance of "People" and "On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)". [3] [8]

The concerts were met with positive responses from critics, who praised the show's theme and Velasquez's vocal abilities. Boy Abunda from The Philippine Star called it a "musical extravaganza" and an "audio-visual feast". [3] He continued to commend the show's music, saying, "[Velasquez] not only chose the popular signature hits ... but she also included the more obscure selections". [3] Abunda also described Velasquez as a "seasoned chanteuse" who "has mastered the fine art of belting". [3] Meanwhile, the Philippine Daily Inquirer 's Nestor Torre Jr. wrote: "[Velasquez] empathizes both emotionally and vocally with Streisand's repertoire, and this musical chemistry makes for her especially personal renditions of [Streisand's] signature songs." [9]

Set list

This set list is adapted from the television special Songbird Sings Streisand. [8] [lower-alpha 1]

  1. "As If We Never Said Goodbye"
  2. "Everybody Says Don't"
  3. "Comin' In and Out of Your Life" / "Kiss Me in the Rain" / "My Heart Belongs to Me"
  4. "Guilty"
  5. "Woman in Love"
  6. "Lost Inside of You" / "With One More Look at You" / "Evergreen"
  7. "Memory"
  8. "Send In the Clowns"
  9. "With One Look" / "Somewhere"
  10. "Don't Rain on My Parade"
  11. "The Way We Were"
  12. "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" / "Till I Loved You" / "I Finally Found Someone" / "All of My Life"
  13. "The Music of the Night"
  14. "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)"
  15. "Songbird"
  16. "Papa, Can You Hear Me?"
  17. "The Way He Makes Me Feel" / "No Matter What Happens"
  18. "A Piece of Sky"
Encore
  1. "People"
  2. "On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)"

Shows

List of concerts, showing date, city, and venue [4] [7]
DateCityVenue
November 14, 2003 Makati Onstage Theater
November 15, 2003
November 21, 2003
November 22, 2003
November 28, 2003
November 29, 2003
December 5, 2003
December 6, 2003
December 12, 2003
December 13, 2003
December 19, 2003
December 20, 2003

See also

Notes

  1. Songbird Sings Streisand was aired as a television special on RPN in 2004. [8]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regine Velasquez</span> Filipina singer and actress (born 1970)

Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez is a Filipino singer and actress. She is considered one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture and is known for her vocal range and belting technique. She had unorthodox voice training during her childhood, where she was immersed neck-deep in the sea. Velasquez rose to prominence after winning the television talent show Ang Bagong Kampeon in 1984 and the Asia Pacific Singing Contest in 1989. Under the name Chona, she signed a recording contract with OctoArts International in 1986 and released the single "Love Me Again", which was commercially unsuccessful. The following year, she adopted the stage name Regine Velasquez for her debut studio album, Regine (1987), under the guidance of Viva Records executive Vic del Rosario and producer Ronnie Henares. She explored Manila sound and kundiman genres on her second and third studio albums, Nineteen 90 (1990) and Tagala Talaga (1991).

<i>R2K</i> 1999 studio album by Regine Velasquez

R2K is the tenth studio album by Filipino singer-actress Regine Velasquez, released on November 24, 1999, by Viva Records in the Philippines in CD and cassette format and later as a digital download. The album is Velasquez's second from Viva Music Corporation after Drawn. It consists of various covers of hits from the 1980s such as Jeffrey Osborne's "On the Wings of Love" to the 1990s such as Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing". The album was produced by Velasquez and sold more than 40,000 copies in its second week of release, earning a platinum certification, and was certified four times platinum a year later. R2K has since been certified twelve times platinum, becoming the highest-selling album by a female artist in the Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R2K: The Concert</span> 2000 concert by Regine Velasquez

R2K: The Concert was the first arena concert by Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez, held on April 7 and 8, 2000, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. It was a part of Velasquez's promotion of her tenth studio album, R2K (1999). It was exclusively promoted by Viva Concerts, with beauty brands Pond's and Sunsilk as sponsors. Velasquez served as the stage and creative director for the show, which featured Ogie Alcasid, Gabby Eigenmann, Janno Gibbs, Jaya, and KC Montero as guest acts.

One Night with Regine was a benefit concert by Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez that took place on April 26, 2002 at the National Museum of Anthropology in Rizal Park, Manila. The charity event was organized by ABS-CBN Foundation to raise funds in support of the Bantay Bata child welfare program, which aimed to promote awareness of disadvantaged and at-risk children. The proceeds were donated to benefit the development of a children's village in Velasquez's hometown of Bulacan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Martin & Regine: The World Concert Tour</span> 2003 concert tour by Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez

Martin & Regine: The World Concert Tour was a co-headlining tour by Filipino performers Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez. It began on March 8, 2003 in Honolulu, Hawaii and visited the United States and the Philippines. The joint tour came after the two had finished their own concert residencies at the Onstage Theatre in 2002 — Nievera's Opening Night and Velasquez's Songbird Sings. The tour was announced early in 2003 and was exclusively promoted by Maximedia International. The set list featured songs taken from both singers' discographies, including collaborations such as "You Are My Song" and "Forever". Louie Ocampo and Gerard Salonga served as the musical directors for the U.S and Philippine legs, respectively. Reviews for the tour were generally positive, with critics praising both artists' vocal abilities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regine at the Movies</span> 2001 concert residency by Regine Velasquez

Regine at the Movies was a concert residency by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez at the Music Museum in San Juan and the Onstage Theater in Makati. The residency began on November 9 and concluded on December 30, 2001, after completing seventeen shows. The set list featured various covers of film soundtracks, including Velasquez's movie themes. The show was exclusively promoted by Maximedia International. In November 2018, ABS-CBN produced the re-staging of the residency which was held during three non-consecutive nights in November at the New Frontier Theater. Gabby Eigenmann was the guest act during the 2001 series, while Sharon Cuneta, Daniel Padilla, and Piolo Pascual were selected for the 2018 shows. Raul Mitra served as musical director for both productions. It received a positive reception from music critics, who praised the intimate show and Velasquez's vocal abilities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Songbird Sings</span> 2002 concert residency by Regine Velasquez

Songbird Sings was a concert residency by Filipina singer Regine Velasquez at the Onstage Theater in Makati. The residency began on November 8 and concluded on December 28, 2002, after completing fifteen shows. The set list featured songs taken from Velasquez's discography. These incorporated tracks she released from her cover albums. The show was produced by Maximedia International. Raul Mitra served as musical director, while Gabby Eigenmann was selected as guest act. It was positively received by music critics, who praised the show's theme and Velasquez's live performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reigning Still</span> 2004 concert by Regine Velasquez

Reigning Still was an arena concert by Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez. The concert was announced in October 2004 and held on two consecutive nights in December at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City as a part of Velasquez's campaign to support her twelfth studio album, Covers, Vol. 1 (2004). The set list featured songs predominantly taken from the album, and various covers of pop hits. It was exclusively promoted by GMA Network, with Smart Communications as sponsor. Velasquez served as the stage and creative director for the show, which featured Andrew E., Sarah Geronimo, Sheryn Regis, Kyla, Francis Magalona, and Ariel Rivera as guest acts. Velasquez was nominated for Best Female Major Concert Act at the 18th Aliw Awards for the production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reflections (concert residency)</span> 2005 concert residency by Regine Velasquez

Reflections was a concert residency by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez at the Aliw Theater in Pasay. The residency began on November 4 and concluded on December 10, 2005, after completing eight shows. The set list featured songs curated by Velasquez from the discographies of her musical influences, such as Mariah Carey, Sharon Cuneta, Sheena Easton, Whitney Houston, and Kuh Ledesma. The show was jointly promoted by GMA Network and Aria Productions. Velasquez served as the stage and creative director for the concert, while Raul Mitra was the musical director. Kim Flores, Jona Viray, and Ai-Ai delas Alas were selected as guest acts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Songbird Sings Legrand</span> 2003 concert by Michel Legrand and Regine Velasquez

Songbird Sings Legrand was a co-headlining concert by French composer Michel Legrand and Filipino singer Regine Velasquez. The concert was announced in December 2002 and held on three consecutive nights in February 2003 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Plenary Hall in Pasay. Velasquez performed songs selected from Legrand's discography, backed by the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra. The show was divided into two segments; the first which only featured overtures conducted by Legrand, being followed by an intermission, before Velasquez joined the composer in the second segment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Songbird Sings the Classics</span> 2000 concert by Regine Velasquez

Songbird Sings the Classics was a concert by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez held on October 6, 2000 at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Philippine Plaza in Pasay. It was produced by Maximedia International, with Pond's as its sponsor. The set list featured songs curated from 1960s and 1970s music, including those of Leonard Bernstein, Michel Legrand, Henry Mancini, and Barry Manilow. The concert marked Velasquez's first collaboration with conductor and music director Gerard Salonga, backed by the 15-member ensemble of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. It was positively received by music critics, who praised the intimate show and Velasquez's and Salonga's partnership.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twenty (concert)</span> 2006 concert by Regine Velasquez

Twenty was an arena concert by Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez. The concert was announced in September 2006 and held on two consecutive nights in October at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Its concept and name is a reference to the twentieth anniversary since her professional debut in 1986. The staging resembled a Roman colosseum connected by a grand staircase extending from the upper box gallery. The setlist contained songs predominantly taken from Velasquez's discography and various covers. The show was produced by Aria Productions, with GMA Network as its broadcast partner. Ronnie Henares served as stage director, while Raul Mitra was chosen as musical director. Guest conductors were featured, including Louie Ocampo and Gerard Salonga, backed by the 60-member ensemble of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. It received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Velasquez's vocals and the production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silver (concert)</span> 2012 concert by Regine Velasquez

Silver was an arena concert by Filipina entertainer Regine Velasquez held on November 16, 2012, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. She became the first local artist to play at the venue since it opened that May. The show's concept and name is a reference to the twenty-fifth anniversary since Velasquez's professional debut in 1986. The setlist contained songs predominantly taken from Velasquez's discography and various covers. The show was produced by iMusic Entertainment, with GMA Network as its broadcast partner. Ryan Cayabyab and Raul Mitra served as music directors, accompanied by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solo (concert residency)</span> 2023 concert residency by Regine Velasquez

Solo is a concert residency by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati. Comprising six shows, it began on February 17 and concluded on April 29, 2023. Having not performed in a headlining show to a live audience in two years due the COVID-19 pandemic, Velasquez conceived the concert residency to celebrate the thirty-fifth anniversary of her professional debut. She described the show's concept as an artistic journey, with performances that would be devoid of front acts or special guests.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regine at the Theater</span> 2015 concert residency by Regine Velasquez

Regine at the Theater was a concert residency by Filipino recording artist Regine Velasquez at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque. The residency began on November 6 and concluded on November 27, 2015, after completing four shows. The set list contained songs taken from various musicals. It featured selections from Broadway, off-Broadway and Filipino productions, including Noli Me Tángere, for which Velasquez originated the lead role of María Clara. It was exclusively promoted by iMusic Entertainment, with PLDT Inc. as sponsor. Raul Mitra served as music director, while Audie Gemora, Aicelle Santos, and Jona Viray were selected as special guests. The show was divided into two acts with an intermission. Regine at the Theater was critically appreciated, receiving praise for its theme and Velasquez's vocal abilities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R3.0 (concert)</span> 2017 concert by Regine Velasquez

R3.0 was an arena concert by Filipino recording artist Regine Velasquez, held on October 21 and 22, 2017, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. It was a part of Velasquez's promotion of her seventeenth studio album R3.0 (2017) and marked a celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of her professional debut in 1986. The set list featured songs predominantly taken from the album, with additional songs from her older albums and various covers of pop hits. It was exclusively promoted by Viva Entertainment, with PLDT, Inc. as sponsor. Raul Mitra served as music director, while Paolo Valenciano was tapped as stage director.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R-15 (concert)</span> 2001 concert by Regine Velasquez

R-15 was a concert by Filipino recording artist Regine Velasquez held on April 21, 2001, at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Hotel in Ermita. The show's concept and name is a reference to the fifteenth anniversary of Velasquez's professional debut in 1986. It was produced by EE Concerts Production, with Freddie Santos as the stage director. Gerard Salonga served as the music director and conductor, backed by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. The set list featured songs taken from Velasquez's discography, which incorporated tracks she released from her cover albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ang Ating Musika</span> 2007 concert residency by Regine Velasquez

Ang Ating Musika was a concert residency by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez at the Aliw Theater in Pasay. The residency began on November 9 and concluded on November 24, 2007, after completing six shows. The set list featured all OPM numbers that were curated from the catalogue of Filipino composers and songwriters. These included material from George Canseco, Ryan Cayabyab, Rey Valera, and Basil Valdez, among others. The show was produced by Aria Productions, with GMA Network as its broadcast partner. Velasquez served as the stage director, while Raul Mitra was chosen as the music director. Martin Nievera, Jona Viray, Aicelle Santos, Maricris Garcia, and Kyla performed as guests. Reviews for the shows were generally positive, receiving praise for the theme and Velasquez's live performance.

<i>The Best of Me</i> (TV special) 2008 TV special by Regine Velasquez

The Best of Me is a concert television special by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez. It originally aired on April 27, 2008, in the Philippines on GMA Network. A celebration of Velasquez's 38th birthday, the program consisted of solo performances and select duets. Filmed at Velasquez's Ayala Hillside Estates residence in Quezon City, the two-hour special was directed by Louie Ignacio, while Raul Mitra served as the music director. The program featured guest stars Ogie Alcasid, Jay R, and Kyla, and a special performance with the singer's parents.

References

  1. Lo, Ricky (October 25, 2005). "Reflections by Regine". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on November 13, 2017. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
  2. 1 2 Abunda, Boy. "Regine revisits her musical inspiration". The Philippine Star . No. November 24, 2003. Archived from the original on November 19, 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Abunda, Boy (December 10, 2003). "A small-town girl at heart". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 Asilo, Rito (October 25, 2003). "Regine sings Streisand's best". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  5. "Regine sings movie themes in 12-night concert series". Philippine Daily Inquirer . November 9, 2001. Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  6. "Regine holds concert series". Philippine Daily Inquirer . November 15, 2002. Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  7. 1 2 "Extended, 3 more weekends". Philippine Daily Inquirer . December 7, 2003. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Radio Philippines Network (2004). Songbird Sings Streisand (Television special). Regine Velasquez.
  9. Torre, Nestor (December 6, 2003). "Regine's show extended". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved July 2, 2022.