To mark its 15th anniversary, the Philippine Opera Company (POC), the only opera company in the country that mounts regular productions, will stage “Opera-Lite” on Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., at 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub (5/L, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Ave. and Salamanca St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City).

“Opera-Lite” brings together the stars of Philippine opera in a revue that promises audiences a lighter take on opera. Repertoire is a delightful mix of light, classic, pop surprises and opera standards.

“Opera-Lite” stars Karla Gutierrez, Janine Santos, Lorraine Lisen, Mariel de Leon, Marian Santiago, Nazer Salcedo, Cristiani Rebada, Michael Odoemene, Jonathan Wagner, Elliot Eustacio, Lawrence Jatayna, Rein Pineda, and Melbelline Caluag.

Special guests are Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Beverly Salviejo, and Sheila Valderama-Martinez.

POC is managed by classical performing artists; it aims to sustain as well as develop more audiences for classical music theater in the Philippines. It is committed to extending opera  by performing in malls, churches, community centers, parks, and schools. It aims to make opera more accessible to a wider audience.

Last June, during its Canada tour, POC received the Maria Carpena Memorial Award for the Arts and the Heroes Award from the United Filipino-Canadian Associations in British Columnia.

For tickets to “Opera-Lite,” call the Philippine Opera Company at 0917-5272880.