Following the successful recording session in May 2010, Ima Castro joined with Miguel Diaz to record some new songs from the Sacrifice creative team.
Ms. Castro in London studio recording "Who Am I At This Moment"
Ms. Castro and Mr. Diaz previously appeared in the West End production of Miss Saigon, and sometimes share the stage together when doing Cabaret shows.
Composers Richard Daniels and Mark Troop wanted Ima to return and record new material, since the previously released demo "received such wonderful feedback and acclaim from our fan base".
KennetH Clarke (Author) said "Ima and Miguel's portrayal of the central characters of Sacrifice in the latest recording sessions certainly brings the words and music of the libretto to life, highlighting both the strength of the material and the underlying plots and themes of the powerful story"
Bobby Garcia added "Ima Castro's second foray into our musical journey of Sacrifice once again highlighted the rich textures and eclectic nature of the score".
Sacrifice is the story of China's greatest emperor meeting the last of China's 4 ancient beauties who adopts China's most ruthless villain. Their fateful triumvirate creates China's greatest love story.
Emperor Xuanzong (of the prosperous Tang Dynasty 618-907 AD) steals Yang GuiFei (one of China's most beautiful women) into his court as a concubine from his son, Li Mao (the Prince of Shou) who at the time was married to her. Corruption, greed and deceit ensue. The Emperor allows his government to become corrupt, granting high positions to Yang GuiFei's relatives. Her cousin is made the Chief Minister.
Yang GuiFei then adopts the barbarian general, An Lushan, who takes control of the army. The Emperor who is besotted by Yang GuiFei, ignores the affairs of state, largely managed by his faithful eunuch Gao Lishi. The Emperor ignores warnings about the rise of An Lushan, and the general rebels, starting a civil war that lasts eight years, and in which millions are killed.
Ima Castro played the lead role of "Kim" in Miss Saigon after
Lea Salonga in Manila, then in Hongkong, Singapore, Manchester, Dublin, Edinburgh, Bristol, Birmingham, Southampton, Lisbon, Belfast, Cardiff and other cities in the UK. The composer of Miss Saigon, Claude-Michel Schonberg calls Ms. Castro "a miracle from Manila". Ms. Castro has won several local and international awards including the Grand Prize in the 1991 Panasonic nationwide "Quest for the Best"; Best Singer Award in Osaka, Japan; Best Interpreter in the "First Asia Song Festival" in Bali, Indonesia, and "Shine", her winning song in the 1996 "Metropop Song Festival". Ms. Castro's album, "Mamahalin Kita-Ima", became a gold record which included a popular duet with Lloyd Umali. A second album followed on the Polygram label. Ms. Castro also recorded a duet with
Enrique Iglesias entitled "You're My Number One".
Miguel M. Diaz Jr., is a self taught actor from the Philippines. He was one of the original cast members of the West End production of Miss Saigon in London. While in Miss Saigon he had the opportunity to play all the male Asian roles, the principal role of Thuy , and the Main Lead role of The Engineer. Miguel joined the cast of The London Palladium production of The King And I. He played the role of the Interpreter and Kralahome, the prime minister. At present he is performing his cabaret show called An Evening With Lady Imelda. Between engagements he keeps himself busy writing a black comedy musical called The Camp Street Murder.
The musical of Sacrifice is directed by Bobby Garcia, produced by
Toby Simkin, with a book and lyrics by
KennetH Clarke, music by Richard Daniels & Mark Troop, associate producers include William Ong, Richard Hardwick and DJ Wizniak. Sacrifice is a true, powerful and shocking story, building to a climax with the great Tang Emperor's agonizing decision: save the woman he loves, or sacrifice her to save his dynasty. Themes explore love & sacrifice, duty to one's country & one's destiny, greed & betrayal. Dates of both the Asian workshop and the London opening will be announced at a future time.
The latest London recording sessions for Sacrifice are now available on the official website for Sacrifice.
http://www.SacrificeWorldwide.com
