Penta. The 5-week Learning Curve

It happened so soon. Searching for Christmas songs this 2019 on YouTube initially led me to Hallelujah. Further recommendations exposed me to their Christmas songs too many to count.

Even the transition from bass singer Avi to Matt was chronologically traced which hooked me eventually to the Sound of Silence.

Sometime this January 2020, I was told that as part of the world tour, "Pentatonix The World Tour Live in Manila", Araneta in Cubao would be their final destination for the leg.

Initially not that interested but constant reminders from social calendars, FB and prompting from colleagues increased the probability of watching. Eventually work schedule allowed. Even the Corona Virus epidemic allowed a mass gathering.

Just on the concert date 8 February, I bought tickets assured that the artists have arrived and the concert is pushing through. I watched initially for the sound to compare studio recording and live rendition and secondarily for the live concert experience.

I was glad that halfway, the sound system improved after Kevin's solo cello performance capturing better the nuances of the 5 singers’ vocal renditions in harmony.

From zero knowledge in December to a deeper familiarity on their group and personal lives in January is 5 weeks, a short learning period span. Credit that to technology for global linkage and a rich source of reference.

The 2020 concert was their 2nd in Manila. From the repeat goers and the crowd's chanting for their favorite singers and songs, the group has clearly established a fan base. For me, from zero base to attendance to a live concert in 5 weeks which put me relatively at par with them is a feat.

I wished that even in February 2020, Pentatonix devoted a segment on Christmas. They too were silent on the Simon and Garfunkel cover. The concert listening to 5 talented singers in accapella live supported by technology  for a visual illusion was an enriching and a lightly enjoyable musical experience.

Mitch delivered the high notes as tenor. Matt did a run and danced a lot with Kevin. Not much beat boxing done by Kevin but he sang, moved and played the cello and did beat box simultaneously. Scott led most of the time. Young mezzo-soprano Kirstie harmonized providing the feminine touch.

After the well-attended and appreciated live concert of the a cappella group, I am now back to YouTube watching in a HD set-up without a face mask to check on the PTXperience-Pentatonix: The World Tour 2020 episodes for additional learning and appreciation of multi-Grammy awardee singing group.

#PTXManila2020 #PTXTheWorldTourMLA