"Sirena is a unique blend of masterful storytelling and graceful music that coalesces into something altogether more powerful than a performance. It is an experience that demands your attention and creates a sense of oneness between the audience and the performers." 

-Meri Rose Eckberg, Arts Administrator

“Calling Leslie Damaso, Mr. Chair and Sahada’s performance of Sirena last night a success is a huge understatement! Thank you for electrifying the stage with this reimagination of Filipino music! Bravo bravo bravo.”

 -Lina Lee, UW-Madison pianist and co-founder of the DEIB Festival

“Leslie, you inspired me to think that I can do whatever I want. And did you cut up an onion everytime and throw it in our faces? Because I cried every time you sang.” 

-Viola Murn, 9 year old student

“Genre-bending in every way, Damaso successfully balanced storytelling, various jazz styles, and visual artwork to create a universe that collapsed both time and planes of knowing. Bouncing between spoken word excerpts, contemporary renditions of kundiman songs, and instrumental numbers, the comprehensive nature of Damaso’s work left few stones unturned in this project of cultural and historical reimagination.”

-Rodlyn-mae Banting, Madison365 reporter

“It was truly mesmerizing! And we cried in our seats.” 

-Krista Loomans, artist