Summary
Maria Carpena (October 22, 1886 – March 8, 1915) was a Filipina stage actress and soprano singer. She was the first recording artist in the Philippine music industry. She was also dubbed as the country's “Nightingale of Zarzuela”.[1][2]
Maria Carpena | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 22, 1886 Santa Rosa, Laguna, Captaincy General of the Philippines |
| Died | March 8, 1915 (aged 28)[1] Manila, Philippine Islands |
| Occupation(s) | Singer and stage actress |
Early and personal life edit
Carpena was born in Santa Rosa, Laguna to rice farmer Camilio Carpena and Maria Evangelista. She was their eight child.[3]
Carpena started singing at an early age. She was a soprano in a choir at a nearby church. She pursued music despite her father's stern disapproval.[3]
Carpena married horse-drawn carriage maker Jose Carpena in 1902. Two years later, she was widowed with two children, Maria Dolores known as Florita and Jaime Alcantara.[4]
As Carpena rose to fame, she met a married fan whom she eventually had an affair with. They had a son, Mauro Carpena, on March 12, 1908.[1][4]
Education and career edit
Despite being disowned by her father, Carpena moved to Manila to study at Colegio de Santa Rosa and learned music from composer Fulgencio Tolentino. She stayed at the college convent and helped with chores and embroidery to obtain education. She was a member of the college choir and was also a soloist.[2][3]
At 15 years old, Carpena performed her debut concert in Zorrilla Theatre and became a celebrity overnight. She was later discovered by playwright and zarzuela producer Severino Reyes. She was paired with Victorino Carrion for Walang Sugat and since then their tandem became popular. Carpena starred in many plays such as Lukso ng Dugo, Minda Mora and La Confianza Mata al Hombre. She quit her studies when she got married but continued performing onstage.[5]
In 1908, Carpena was invited to the US by Governor General Howard Taft and she recorded her songs under Victor Recording Company. She was accompanied by the Molina orchestra. Carpena's first solo, Ang Maya, was recorded in a makeshift studio in Manila Hotel.[1][3]
Carpena was the first superstar of the Philippine music industry. Professor Otley H. Beyer commented on her that: "She was a real nightingale. She would sing at the Luneta to 20,000 people and her voice would be heard clear through Manila Hotel."[3][4][6][7]
Carpena did not receive formal training and never learned how to read sheet music. She played music by the ear.[1][4]
Death edit
Carpena died on March 8, 1915, due to complications caused by an appendectomy. She was 28 years old, and was buried at the La Loma Cemetery.[2]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e "9 Kickass Women in Philippine History You've Never Heard Of". FilipiKnow. 3 June 2018. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
- ^ a b c Pa-a, Saul. "Sta. Rosa, Laguna honors 1st Filipino soprano recording artist". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
- ^ a b c d e "Filipinas Heritage Library | Featured Artist: Maria Carpena". Filipinas Heritage Library. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Sabangan 2". PWU Publications. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
- ^ Corong, Sol. "Fulfilled Dreams After a Century". Manila Times. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
- ^ "THE TIONGCO BROTHERS TALK ABOUT THEIR STA. ROSA - MyCityMySM". mycitymysm.com. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
- ^ Madarang, Catalina Ricci S. (17 December 2019). "Who's who: All the Filipino women in U2's concert tribute". Interaksyon. Retrieved 6 February 2021.