Featured Artist: Susan Fernandez Singer * Teacher * Advocate
These are the three aspects of Susan Fernandez’ public persona but it is the first that constitutes her primary passion, the first love to which she always comes back no matter where professional pursuits in academe, social research and development work lead her. Susan first came to public notice as one of scores of protest musicians who braved the Marcos dictatorship’s truncheons and bullets to deliver the message of liberation to Filipinos using the medium and power of song. In this, a freer era, Susan continues to regale her audiences with a musical repertoire that is as rich as it is diverse. She mines the annals of sound for contemporary as well as classical folk, jazz and standard pieces. These, she renders in a lilting lyric soprano that is at home in both single acoustic guitar or full band or orchestral accompaniment. In whichever way, Susan never fails to evoke romantic, even melancholic, sentiments from crowds of listeners that she often leads down memory lane with numbers that range from the upbeat “Midnight at the Oasis” to the samba piece “Desafinado”.
Since July, Susan has been performing every Friday at the Top of the Century of the Century Park Hotel with blues singer-guitarist Koko Marbella. Prior to this stint, she had weekly gigs for six months at the Ricco Renzo Gallery Café in Makati. In between jazz performances, Susan turns folkie with long-time buddies Lester Demetillo and Becky Abraham at joints like My Brother’s Moustache, Conspiracy and 70s Bistro. Susan also spends her time teaching at the Ateneo, doing research work for advertising agencies, and playing regular talent for CCP productions and Concert at the Park outings.
Schedule:
July 2008
03
Para kay Susan Susan Fernandez Benefit Concert My Brother's Mustache, Sct. Tuazon cor. Sct. Madrinan, Quezon City
