Seanne Buenafe rediscovers the joy of music

by Oscar Pantaleon Jr.

Filipino artists in the cast and creative team of Jesus Christ Superstar: (left to right) Victoria Exconde, Joseph Abetria, Dutchess Cayetano, Joseph Sevillo, Rochelle Kives, Seanne Buenafe, and Jazz Marcelino. (Photo by Rainbow Stage.)

Daily rehearsals of Jesus Christ Superstar officially start at 10:00 a.m., but half-an-hour ahead, Seanne Buenafe is already at Rainbow Stage leading vocal warmups to prepare the cast for one of musical theatre’s most demanding scores.

The routine offers a glimpse into this young music director and conductor, careful in his craft, generous in collaboration, and attentive to those he leads.

Just a few years ago, however, Seanne never imagined this would be his path. He spent much of his time immersed in competitions, festivals, and classical music training. A former member of the Winnipeg Boys Choir and a recent graduate of piano performance in McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, he is emerging as one of the country’s promising new music directors.

A leap of faith

His introduction to music direction came through an unexpected opportunity. Writer, director, and actor Joseph Sevillo approached Seanne about assisting with a workshop of Ma-Buhay! Filipinos Singing for Their Lives, a musical he was developing at that time.

Though hesitant, Seanne agreed. “It was terrifying to be in that role, but at the same time so fulfilling,” he recalls. “It was a huge leap of faith. I’m so happy that I was confident and courageous enough to take it on.” That decision led him back to Ma-Buhay! as music director with an all-Filipino cast and creative team for its full production at Rainbow Stage in 2024.

This summer marks Seanne’s third production with Rainbow Stage and his second as music director. He credits the company for giving him room to grow. “Rainbow Stage has been such an amazing home for me, and a big supporter of just me trying new things and finding out how to correct something I get wrong.”

Beyond notes and rhythms

Music direction has transformed Seanne’s relationship with music itself. “Pivoting from a solo piano performer to a collaborative music director allowed me to enjoy music again,” he says. “Interpreting instrumental pieces and finding a story in every melody has allowed me to carry that knowledge over into my work in musical theatre.”

Drawing on his classical training, he encourages performers to look beyond notes and rhythms to uncover the story beneath the music. That greater awareness has allowed Seanne to “truly explore the show and discover all sorts of new things” in Jesus Christ Superstar.

“There’s a spirit and energy throughout the entire show that makes it so unique and makes it still so phenomenal after all these years,” he says enthusiastically about the iconic rock opera. Preparing for it has also meant immersing himself in countless interpretations. “I feel like I’ve watched the show 500 times in 500 different ways,” he laughs.

Proudly Filipino

As a Filipino Canadian musician, Seanne weaves his heritage into every part of his artistic life. In his piano recitals, he programs works by Filipino composers. In classrooms, he introduces students to Philippine folk songs. In public performances, he presents Filipino musical showcases.

In theatre, Seanne sees Filipino culture reflected in the way he approaches storytelling through music. “Being from a culture that values music so immensely has allowed me to treat a story and its music with so much prominence. Music is a powerful medium.”

Following Ma-Buhay! Seanne joined the production of Primrose Knazan’s The Glitter Bird directed by Hazel Venzon, and the workshop reading of Joseph Aragon’s José Rizal. “It’s been such a gift to not only have these opportunities, but to have these stories that are central to my identity,” he relates.

An invitation to the arts

As his career gains momentum, Seanne hopes audiences will embrace the arts with the same openness that has shaped his own journey. “I encourage everyone to engage with arts and culture,” he says. “Watch shows. Support your local theatres and performers. You’ll find a lot of fantastic new things that you never knew were there.”

Those discoveries have led Seanne from a piano bench to the conductor’s podium. What began as a leap of faith helped him rediscover the joy of making music and embrace his Filipino identity in a shared act of storytelling and community.

Sean Buenafe leads the band of Jesus Christ Superstar running at the Rainbow Stage, Kildonan Park, until July 12, 2026.

Visit www.rainbowstage.ca for tickets.