Lara Maigue, Gian Magdangal find beauty in contrast

Lara Maigue and Gian Magdangal have performed countless duets with different singers. But for reasons they can’t quite put a finger on, their voices together just sound and feel right.

“I have done many duets with many tenors, pero hindi talaga … But singing with Gian just works. When you know, you know,” Lara told the Inquirer at a press conference for their upcoming concert, “The Greatest Duets: Special Screening.”

That became immediately apparent when National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab paired the two artists for a project during the pandemic. “That’s how we got to know each other and realized that our voices suited each other,” she said.

Perhaps it’s the beauty in contrast. Lara is a classically trained soprano with a mellifluous tone. Gian’s dashing baritone is polished in pop and musical theater.

“I can’t sing like Lara. We have different types of voices, but they blend well. We have different backgrounds, but there are ways we can relate to each other,” Gian said, adding that they have found a middle ground in Broadway music and, to a certain extent, jazz.

“Just because you’re a classical singer doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sing only with other classical singers. Same goes for pop singers or musical theater performers. Different styles can work well together. There’s trial and error involved in duets, and that’s where magic can happen,” he added.

Case in point: Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion’s classical crossover duet “The Prayer.” There’s also Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s delightful jazz collaborations. “They’re good. Inspiring! That’s something Lara and I wanted to try, and it brought us here today,” Gian said.

“What I love about Gian is that he can easily transition from pop to musical theater, which share some similarities with classical. I also have a pop voice I can use when needed,” Lara said.

Stage chemistry

It has to be said that Lara and Gian are a couple. They “fell in love along the way” after that fateful pairing by Mr C. and the deep, romantic bond they have reflects not only on their voices, but also on their stage chemistry.

“It’s easier to work with someone you know really well. All it takes is one look. It’s like there’s deeper understanding between the two of you,” she said. “We know each other’s tendencies. We can go by our instincts. If he forgets a lyric, I know what to do. I can improvise, which is trickier to do with other singers. It’s just easier for us to navigate our way through the songs.”

For Gian, having a lover for a singing partner can be instructive. “We always learn from each other. When doing a solo project, you try to look for a mentor of sorts. But now, I have a constant teammate,” he said. “When we have to do a new project, we’re able to quickly figure out which direction to go.”

Needless to say, singing together is emotionally difficult amid misunderstandings. The good part? By the time they leave the stage, they have already made up.

“It’s not pleasant, but we have to sing together. Curiously, it’s also how we end up patching things up. Music is like a language that makes it all better. That’s the beauty of it,” Lara said. “It’s easier to gauge each other’s mood. Matitimpla mo if one of us is in a bad mood, or if one of us isn’t feeling well,” Gian said.

In “Special Screening,” the second installment of Lara and Gian’s “The Greatest Duets” series, the two singers will breathe life into well-loved soundtracks from iconic films. In line with its concept, the show will be held inside a movie theater, Cinema 11 of Araneta City’s Cineplex 18, on Aug. 30.

Special guests

“We will be singing songs that are close to our hearts and suit our vocal range and style. But there are films you can’t not include, like ‘The Greatest Showman,’ and musicals-turned-movies like ‘Les Miserables’ and Phantom of the Opera,’” Lara related.

“‘The Godfather’ theme also has Italian lyrics, which not a lot of people know about. So that’s some of the things the fans will experience in the show. Of course, there have to be Disney songs, too,” Lara said.

Mounted by Ateam, the concert will feature special guests Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez.

“It has been a while since I watched a duet concert. So we decided to do it instead. We’re excited to see where the set will lead us. We will do songs that have made a mark, songs sung by characters people can relate to,” Gian said.