AMMusika at Opera America

AMMusika 10/5/25 program with works by Anna Maria Manalo, Raphael Crystal, and world premieres by Rex Benincasa and Melissa Shiflett. Performers: Rex Benincasa, percussion; Renee Briggs, piano; Sonna Kim, ‘cello; Anna Maria Manalo, piano & violin; Netta Toledano, voice and actress. Original text by Kristina Manalo, recited by Stefan Pukatzki.

States of Mind

States of Mind presentation from 7/22/23 at Opera America in NYC by Anna Maria Manalo (composer/violinist) with Guest Artists Rex Benincasa (composer/percussionist) Renee Briggs (pianist) Sonna Kim (‘cellist), prose by Kristina Maria Manalo. Videography by Kurt Briggs Productions.

BELOW ARE “NEW BEGINNINGS” SAMPLE HIGHLIGHTS.

FULL VIDEO HERE:

July 16, 2022, “New Beginnings” performance at the Blue Gallery in NYC. A reception followed, a part of which is included in this video.

Three Pieces

Composed for Anna Maria Manalo by Melissa Shiflett

Three Pieces (2022)

I. The Birds at North Pond

II. Sanctuary

III. Ducks in a Row

Stretch and Compress

Composed for A.M.M. by JoAnne C. Maffia

9 Miniatures

Miniatures:

Sunrise

Boogie

Freilich

Drag

Lullaby

Mazurka- A Portrait

Sunset

Parade

Three Pieces

Mga Isip Nina Nanay¹

This composition is dedicated to my Mom who has intermediate dementia.

Loaded

Rex Benincasa, composer & percussion

Sonna Kim, ‘cello

AMM, violin

 “NOW” Arts Series Presentation (2020)

“NOW” Arts Series Presentation (2020) during the Pandemic, curated and produced by Composer/Guitarist Raul Quines. Anna performs the World Premiere of her “Bunkaka³” for violin, and “Four Moods” (World Premiere) for piano by Loretta Notareschi.

Kundiman Presentation in Alberta

“Kundiman²” Presentation as part of the “Heritage Days Festival” in Alberta Canada. This is a premiere performance that introduced Filipino Music and art to Bonyville ,Alberta Canada. I selected all the “Kundiman” (traditional Philippine Art Song). Alongside my live presentation (not in view) I presented a slide show with the lyrics and translations of all the Kundiman, biographies of the composers, interspersed with traditional Philippine paintings. A few highlights for you include “Parang Maghapon Lamang” (Just for an Afternoon) [9’56”] and “Awit ng Pagsinta” (Song of Pleading) [13’15”] by my great uncle Julian Celis Balita. At 17’02” I introduce a Filipino Air “Pagpag” (sound made by pounding rice) on the violin, followed by a piano improvisation on the Air. Finally at 36’55” I present the traditional Philippine serenade “Hating Gabi” (at Midnight) on the violin.