Gabri Panlilio Finds Pop Vibe In Classic Music

This can be attested by Victoria Ga-brielle “Gabri” Panlilio who has been hailed as one of the country’s emerging classical crossover artists, following in the footsteps of her musical idols such as Audra McDonald, Renee Fleming, Natalie Dessay and Cecilia Bartoli.

- Robert Requintina

“Classical music is the fountain to every music. For me, the more you are trained classically, the more your voice gets stronger and it’s healthy,” said Gabri, during a recent interview. “It’s like wine or an athlete. When you train in classical music, it takes years to make it perfect.”

Gabri lamented how the Filipinos have embraced the “birit” culture in music. “Sa Pilipinas I feel sad that many people embrace the ‘birit’ culture when it comes to music. They don’t venture into other styles anymore. If you’re into classical crossover, you promote it gradually. Then you go your way up there. Kailangan little by little.”

Gabri’s keen interest in classical opera began when she first heard “Phantom of the Opera.”

She started singing at a tender age of 10. When she saw Phantom of the Opera at the age of 12, it was then that she realized she wanted to train classically.

Gabri began taking her formal lessons at Colegio San Agustin. Two years later, she took lessons under mezzo-soprano Clarissa Ocampo. Her current vocal coach, multi-awarded Fil-American tenor Arthur Espiritu, has performed with some of the most prestigious stage/concert engagements across the globe.