Part of NEMPAC’s collaborative Artist Series, Lauren Florek, Carlo Bunyi, and Marcelline Merrill will present Hey It’s O.K (Opera & Kundiman), a concert featuring traditional Filipino art song with western classical music. This concert will amplify the voices of the Phillipines, bringing awareness, understanding, and the celebration of different cultures.
Join Duo Filipino for an evening where music transcends borders, blending the richness of Filipino classical songs with beloved Western opera and musical theater classics. The program features sarswela (Filipino opera), kundiman (Filipino art songs), and timeless Western works, offering a unique musical journey that bridges cultures.
The kundiman—Philippine art songs with themes of love, patriotism, and resilience—has been a voice for generations, from Spanish colonial times to modern struggles for freedom. Iconic songs like “Bayan Ko” have inspired courage and unity, and Duo Filipino brings these powerful works to life for audiences who may not have experienced them before.
In showcasing Filipino music alongside Western standards, Duo Filipino not only honors their heritage but also invites all listeners to discover the beauty, history, and emotional depth of the Philippines’ classical repertoire. This is a night to celebrate culture, connection, and the universal language of music.
This concert will feature Sarswela, Kundiman, Western Opera, and Musical Theatre, with the talents of the following artists:
Lauren Florek: Soprano
Carlo Bunyi: Baritone
Marcelline Merrill: Pianist
DATE: Friday, March 13th 2026 at 7:30 PM
VENUE: Bijou de la Vida Gallery
ADDRESS: 390 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02113 | North End
ABOUT LAUREN FLOREK:
Filipino-American Soprano Lauren Florek brings honesty and authenticity to a variety of musical genres. Recent roles include Frasquita in Carmen, The Queen of the Night (cover) in The Magic Flute and Deb in the contemporary musical Ordinary Days. In 2023 she was commissioned to record her debut solo album “Sing a Song of Seasons,” a song cycle of 24 songs by Robert Rogler in the iconic GBH Fraser Performance Studio. Lauren is passionate about the study of Filipino Classical music and co-founded Duo Filipino, an ensemble committed to sharing Filipino culture and history through Filipino classical music. Lauren was a Finalist and Encouragement Award recipient in Opera Connecticut’s 2025 American Opera Idol Competition and a Semi-Finalist in the 2021 Perfect Day Music Competition. She holds a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from DePaul University and a Master’s in Vocal Performance from the Longy School of Music.
ABOUT CARLO BUNYI:
Filipino baritone Carlo Bunyi is a Boston-based soloist and teacher whose craft and stylistic versatility has led him to explore a diversified range of musical activities.
Recent performances include Monterone in Rigoletto, Don Giovanni in Don Giovanni, Tonio in I Pagliacci, and Frank in Die Fledermaus.
He holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from the Longy School of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Voice from the University of Santo Tomas.
Carlo is the music teacher at South Boston Catholic Academy and currently a cantor at the Divine Mercy Parish in Quincy, MA.
ABOUT MARCELLINE MERRILL:
After her first heart surgery at the age of nine, Marceline Merrill found companionship and solace at the piano. This lead to her emotionally dynamic playing based in rich tonal colors and story telling. As a testament to her beloved craft, Marceline holds over 40 distinctions from her smalltown home to international competitions.
Mrs. Merrill performs regionally and across the nation as a soloist and collaborator. She prioritizes curating programs that engage her audiences with underrepresented works alongside the classics. Some highlights from this season include an interview published in the American Music Teacher magazine performance at the New Gallery Concert Series, a performance and lecture at the Music Teacher National Association Conference, and a recording of a solo album.
Marceline also volunteer regionally and nationally to develop the field of piano education with organizations like the Music Teacher National Association, the New England Piano Teacher Association, and the Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy.
