Pinoy Classical Crossover Singer Gabri Panlilio debunked wrong beliefs, myths, and misconceptions about classical opera and music.
In an interview, she listed three myths or misconceptions about classical opera and debunked each of them.
She listed the misconceptions that plus-size singers immediately have a full voice in classical opera.
“People have this misconception na kapag mataba ka it means na “full” ‘yung boses mo. That’s not true. If you have to look at now, ang se-sexy ng opera singers ngayon,” said Gabri.
She then highlighted world-renowned classical opera singers such Aida Garifullina and Elina Garanca.
“Like I just Google or YouTube Aida Garifullina, she’s so beautiful. Ang sexy niya, ang ganda ng boses niya. Elina Garanca, check her. She’s a mezzo-soprano ang laki ng boses, but wow! She’s so sexy,” said Gabri.
Another misconception she debunked is the typical movie trope of opera singers breaking glass with their voices.
“The other one naman is that people have this misconception na if you reach a high note, the glass will crack or ‘yung chandelier, it’s (going to) break,” said Gabri.
She also shared an anecdote of one of her performances in 2013, or 2014, when a couple anticipated that a chandelier would break whenever she hits her high notes.
“Like I noticed when I did a show, this was probably like back in 2014 or 2013. There was this couple.
“Parang sabi ko, ‘why are you looking at the ceiling?’ When I reach a high note ganon siya. And akala niya, ‘Is that chandelier, is that light going to break. Masisira ba yan?” said Gabri.
She finally debunked the myth that specific food types are bad for opera singers, such as chocolate, cheese, and alcohol.
“I believe it’s just a myth lang, eh. Because I know so many singers, they eat chocolates. I’m not going to mention names but before a performance. Some eat chocolates before a performance. Sometimes cheese. They say it’s ‘bad’ for your voice,” said Gabri.
She noted that proper training helps in maintaining the voice of opera singers despite indulging themselves.
“For me, if you have the proper training, parang, it doesn’t mean it’s ‘bad’ for your voice,” said Gabri.
Victoria Gabrielle “Gabri” Panlilio, an emerging classical crossover artist of the Philippines, boasts a large-scale repertoire of classical and contemporary music.
Her original compositions and contemporary classical covers are all available on her Spotify page.
She worked on the Repertory Philippines Theater for Young Audiences production of the timeless classic “Pinocchio.” And, she performed in Al Gatmaitan’s Pursuit of a Dream at The Opera Haus in 2014.
