"Dois Fabios" headline MSO's Brazilian Guitar & Cello concert

Not just one, but two Fabios are set to bring Brazilian music to the Manila Symphony Orchestra's latest installment of its 2025-2026 season happening on August 9, 2025, 7:30 PM at the Bayanihan Hall, Creative Arts Centre of the British School Manila, BGC in Taguig.

The "dois Fabios" headlining the concert, billed as Brazilian Guitar & Cello, are guitarist Fábio Zanon and cellist Fabio Presgrave. Joining them at this concert is soprano Stefanie Quintin-Avila while MSO's music director and principal conductor Marlon Chen takes to the podium.

Music to be performed includes the Prelúdio (Ponteio) from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 7 and the Ária and Dança from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4 by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Jeffrey Ching's Concerto da camera, Radamés Gnattali's Concerto No. 4 for Guitar and String Orchestra, and Astor Piazzolla's Le Grand Tango for Cello and String Orchestra.

Fábio Zanon

Guitarist Fábio Zanon earned his master’s from the University of London and rose to prominence by winning major guitar competitions in 1996, including the Francisco Tárrega, GFA, and Alessandria contests; he later received numerous honors, including an honorary doctorate from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario and awards such as the Carlos Gomes Prize and Bravo! Award.

Fabio Presgrave

Born in Rio, cellist Fabio Presgrave earned his degree from The Juilliard School and has performed as soloist with orchestras worldwide, including the Qatar Philharmonic and Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira, under renowned conductors such as Rafael Payare and Lior Shambadal.

Stefanie Quintin-Avila

Praised for her vocal flexibility and commanding presence, Stefanie Quintin-Avila is a multi-awarded soprano, receiving honors such as the Delphic Lyra Award and the Presidential Award for Culture and the Arts. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of the Philippines and a Master’s in Contemporary Music Performance from UC San Diego.

Marlon Chen

Known for his dynamic charisma and versatility, Marlon Chen has led performances across four continents in opera, ballet, and symphonic music. He was appointed Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Manila Symphony Orchestra in 2019 and holds guest conducting roles with leading ensembles worldwide.

Brazilian Guitar & Cello is presented by the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc. and Standard Insurance in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil through Guimarães Rosa Institute (IGR) and the Embassy of Brazil in Manila.

Les Jeudis culturels: A musical journey with guitarist Thibault Cauvin

Guitarist Thibault Cauvin

The latest installment of the Embassy of France and the Alliance Française de Manille’s Les Jeudis culturels took the audience on a musical tour around the world courtesy of French guitarist Thibault Cauvin.

Thibault’s return to Manila after almost 12 years brought in lovers of French culture and a bunch of guitar enthusiasts filling the Bernardo Sim Multipurpose Hall of the Alliance Française de Manille to capacity. The intimate setting was very fitting for a solo guitar performance with him still so near even to those seated farthest to the stage.

Performing tracks mostly from his latest release Cities II, Thibault put the spotlight on various cities around the world through the music of the guitar. Most of the pieces had discernible national or folk idioms like the sensuous tango of Astor Piazzolla’s Milonga del Angel for Buenos Aires or the baião rhythm in Marco Pereira’s Bate-coxa for Rio. Heading to Tokyo, the traditional Japanese tune Sakura for the koto was given a virtuosic touch via Yuquijiro Yocoh’s Sakura, Theme and Variations.

What really took me by surprise was Berlin, composed by Thibault’s brother Jordan Cauvin that was heavily influenced by electronic dance music reminiscent of the now defunct Love Parade. The surprises kept on coming as cinematic music evoking horses galloping through the steppes of Oulan Bator was performed in Mathias Duplessy’s Ulan. Scordatura lent an exotic sound to Sébastien Vachez’s Raga du soir as the trip took a stop in Calcutta. For Istanbul, the programmatic tour de force Koyunbaba by Carlo Domeniconi started out in a relaxed pastoral mood that came to a grim and violent end that pushed Thibault technically and offered a bit of tension musically to an otherwise relaxed affair.

It turned into a family affair during the encores as Thibault performed ROCKTYPICOVIN composed by his father Philippe Cauvin and Flots de l'âme composed by Matthieu Chedid and his brother Jordan as the concert arrived at its final destination at the beaches of Cap Ferret.

Thibault Cauvin offered a unique program that showcased a diverse music palette in a very intimate setting. It was refreshing and quite surprising to hear contemporary guitar performance that did not include works from Spain. There’s nothing wrong with Spanish guitar music but it was enriching to have musical horizons widened.

The bar has been set high and I await what cultural event will be on hand at the next edition of Les Jeudis culturels. And for those who missed this concert, may this serve as a lesson to send those RSVP’s as soon as possible since seats are very limited.

Clarion Chamber Ensemble ventures into bold, brash and beautiful music territory

Pianist Hyun Joo Lee and flutist David Jerome Johnson

Featuring:

Clarion Chamber Ensemble

     David Jerome Johnson, flute

     Hyun Joo Lee, piano

     Jayson Rivera, clarinet

     Dino Decena, violin

     Gerry Gonzales, cello

     Joy Allan dela Cruz, viola

     Reynato Resurreccion, oboe

     Ariel Sta. Ana, clarinet

     Noel Singcuenco, bassoon

     Jay-Ar Mesa, horn

     Ma. Lica Uson, violin

     Glober Calambro, trumpet

     Rommel Cruz, double bass

Programme:

Paul Hindemith

     Septet 1948

Dmitri Shostakovich

     Trio No. 1 in C minor, Op. 8

Joseph Reinberger

     Nonet in E flat major, Op. 139

Astor Piazzolla

     Verano porteño

The chamber music performances for 2015 kicked off as the Clarion Chamber Ensemble presented The Bold, The Brash and The Beautiful at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

The concert, hosted by Bert Robledo started with a bold statement from Paul Hindemith’s Septet 1948 that was played by flutist David Jerome Johnson, oboist Reynato Resurreccion, clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana, bassoonist Noel Singcuenco, horn player Jay-Ar Mesa, trumpeter Glober Calambro and bass clarinetist Jayson Rivera. The Hindemith piece was indeed an unusual and a bold choice for an opener as it was at times atonal and is curiously structured. The piece featured a musical palindrome in the second and fourth movement but it was almost impossible to figure that out in just the first listening. I wasn't surprised when some members of the audience didn't warm up to this opener at all.

But I really warmed up to the next one which was Dmitri Shostakovich's Trio No. 1 in C minor, Op. 8 which was the brash portion of the concert. This single movement composition was played by pianist Hyun Joo Lee, violinist Dino Decena and cellist Gerry Gonzales. An early composition created when Shostakovich was still a student, this trio is varies in pace and mood greatly while sounding at times Romantic, Impressionistic and even cinematic. Although it had some of the grotesque that characterizes his latter works, the trio wasn't quite the brash Shostakovich music that caused him much trouble with the Soviet authorities. Honestly, I would've preferred if the ensemble chose to perform the darker and the more poignant second trio instead. But it still pleased me nonetheless to have seen a performance of any Shostakovich chamber music which is rarely performed here.

The ensemble left the 20^th century atonal and dissonant harmonies of the first two pieces and stepped back in time to perform Joseph Rheinberger's Nonet in E flat major, Op. 139 with violinist Dino Decena, violist Joy Allan dela Cruz, cellist Gerry Gonzales, double bassist Rommel Cruz, flutist David Jerome Johnson, oboist Reynato Resurreccion, clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana, bassoonist Noel Singcuenco, and horn player Jay-Ar Mesa. The piece, composed by Rheinberger who is known for his works for the organ, is basically a four movement symphony for nine musicians. With more pleasant melodies, this was indeed the beautiful part of the concert. While the ensemble was playing, I remembered my horrible experience at the recent Pasinaya when they were playing the first movement of this piece and a toddler right behind me was making a lot of noise. Thank goodness that the toddler was not present during this concert and I was able to enjoy the performance of this piece without any incident.

For the finale, the entire ensemble (sans trumpeter Calambro) along with guest artists violinist Ma. Angelica Uson and saxophonist Jayson Rivera performed Astor Piazzolla’s Verano porteño. Showing flair and swagger with all the male musicians wearing hats (with Singcuenco wearing a graduate cap of all things), this piece combining the bold, the brash and the beautiful was definitely a crowd pleaser. During the performance, I immediately wondered if Piazzolla actually wrote an arrangement of this piece specifically for that configuration of instruments. I found out right after the concert from David Jerome Johnson that he actually had Francesco Venerucci a pianist and composer from Italy, do a special arrangement of this piece for the ensemble. And that Clarion Chamber Ensemble already availed of his arrangement services a handful of times before.

I initially didn't like chamber music since I prefer the grand music that was played by symphony orchestras. But as I got older, I learned to appreciate the more intimate works by composers that I like and eventually wondered if I would ever see a live performances of said pieces. Thank goodness that the Clarion Chamber Ensemble is here since 2001 and that they had made it their mission to do regular concerts featuring music that aren't regularly performed in here.

Clarion Chamber Ensemble opens 2015 season with bold, brash, and beautiful music

March 22, 2015, 6:00 PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

Cultural Center of the Philippines

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Clarion Chamber Ensemble

     David Jerome Johnson, flute

     Hyun Joo Lee, piano

     Jayson Rivera, clarinet

     Dino Decena, violin

     Gerry Gonzales, cello

     Joy Allan dela Cruz, viola
     Reynato Resurreccion, oboe

     Ariel Sta. Ana, clarinet

     Noel Singcuenco, bassoon

     Jay-Ar Mesa, horn

     Ma. Lica Uson, violin

     Glober Calambro, trumpet

     Rommel Cruz, double bass

Programme:

Dmitri Shostakovich

     Trio No. 1 in C minor, Op. 8

Paul Hindemith

     Septet 1948

Joseph Rheinberger

     Nonet in E flat major, Op. 139

Astor Piazzolla

     Verano porteño

The Clarion Chamber Ensemble presents The Bold, The Brash and The Beautiful, its first concert of their 2015 season this March 22, 2015, 6:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino.

Performing in this concert are flutist David Jerome Johnson, pianist Hyun Joo Lee, clarinetists Jayson Rivera and Ariel Sta. Ana, violinists Dino Decena and Ma. Lica Uson, cellist Gerry Gonzales, violist Joy Allan dela Cruz, oboist Reynato Resurreccion, bassoonist Noel Singcuenco, horn player Jay-Ar Mesa, trumpeter Glober Calambro, and double bassist Rommel Cruz. Mr. Bert Robledo will be the show’s master of ceremonies.

The concert will feature the works of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich and German composer Paul Hindemith whose present day reputations attest to their massive contribution to the bold and brash ideas of 20th century classical music. Clarion performs Shostakovich’s 1923 bold statement of youth, the Trio No. 1 in C minor Op. 8 (for piano, violin, and cello). From the pen of Paul Hindemith comes the brash electricity of his 1948 Septet for woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bass, bassoon, and horn) and trumpet and bass clarinet.

The beguiling beauty of the evening can be found in German organist/composer Joseph Rheinberger’s Nonet in E-flat Major Op. 139 for string trio, double bass and woodwind quintet, which surrenders its spirit to old world romantic charm in a vivid and imaginative Clarion performance. Clarion Chamber Ensemble performs the smoldering and lavish Verano porteño of Argentine Tango Master Astor Piazzolla. Verano porteño is also known as Summer from Piazzolla’s famous Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.

The Bold, The Brash, and The Beautiful is a production by Clarion Chamber Ensemble and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and co-presented by 98.7 DZFE The Masters Touch.

Ticket price:

P500

-50% student and senior citizen discount

+applicable service charges

For inquiries:

Clarion 890-8840

CCP Box Office 832-3704

TicketWorld 891-9999

Past and present members of UST Symphony Orchestra perform in Reunion concert

March 15, 2015, 6:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Cultural Center of the Philippines

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

UST Symphony Orchestra,

Herminigildo Ranera, conductor

Programme:

Dmitri Shostakovich

     Festive Overture in A major, Op. 96

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

     Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64

Gioachino Rossini

     William Tell Overture

Jean Sibelius

     Finlandia, Op. 26

Astor Piazzolla

     Libertango

The UST Symphony Orchestra and the USTSO Alumni join forces in Reunion happening on March 15, 2015, 6:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). This concert, conducted by Herminigildo Ranera, kicks off the USTSO’s 2015 performance season.

Concert lineup for this evening includes Dmitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture in A major, Op. 96, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64, Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell Overture, Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia, Op. 26, and Ástor Piazzolla’s Libertango.

The USTSO was established in 1927 by Dr. Manuel Casas who was a faculty member of UST Medicine and Surgery. After several public performances, the group disbanded in 1931 but was re-established in 1961 by Antonio Buenaventura, a National Artist for Music. Later on, besides performing in the city, the group went on a concert tour in neighboring provinces.

At present, the orchestra has 70 student-members and 15 UST faculty and staff. USTSO regularly performs at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and helps with its outreach program.

Ticket prices:

P800 Orchestra Center

P700 Orchestra Side

P600 Balcony I Center

P500 Balcony I Side

P400 Balcony II Center

P300 Balcony II Side
-50% student discount

-20% senior citizen discount

+applicable service charges

For inquiries:

UST Conservatory of Music 731-4022

CCP Box Office 832-3704

TicketWorld 891-9999

Clarion Chamber Ensemble presents eclectic music feast at the CCP

October 3, 2013, 8:00 PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Dino Decena, violin

Renato Lucas, cello

Hyun Joo Lee, piano

David Jerome Johnson, flute

Reynato Resurreccion, oboe

Ariel Sta. Ana, clarinet

Noel Singcuenco, bassoon

Jay-Ar Mesa, horn

Rommel Cruz, double bass

Programme:

Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Trio No. 5 in D major, Op. 70 No. 1 Ghost

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich Divertimento

Astor Piazzolla Tango Seis

August Klughardt Wind Quintet in C major, Op. 79

The Clarion Chamber Ensemble takes on rarely played chamber music in a concert entitled An Eclectic Chamber Music Feast happening this October 3, 2013, 8:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

This concert will feature the eight core members of the ensemble namely violinist Dino Decena, cellist Renato Lucas, Cello, pianist Hyun Joo Lee, flutist David Jerome Johnson, oboist Reynato Resurreccion, clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana, bassoonist Noel Singcuenco, and horn player Jay-Ar Mesa. Double bassist Rommel Cruz will be joining the ensemble for this evening.

The works to be played in this concert are Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Trio No. 5 in D major, Op. 70 No. 1, Ghost (piano, violin and cello), Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Divertimento (flute, clarinet, violin and cello), Asor Piazzolla’s Tango Seis (violin, piano, flute, clarinet, horn, bassoon and double bass) and August Klughardt’s Wind Quintet in C major, Op. 79 (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon).

An Eclectic Chamber Music Feast is a production by Clarion Chamber Ensemble and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and co-presented by 98.7 DZFE The Masters Touch. 

The Clarion Chamber Ensemble was formed by flutist David Jerome Johnson with pianist Hyun Joo Lee in December 2001. Members of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the old San Miguel Orchestra joined the two founders to create a core group of nine ensemble members. Other local and international musicians collaborate with the ensemble as the music demands. The strength of the Ensemble lies in the diversity and flexibility of instrumental combinations and repertoire that embraces 18th to 21st century works.

Ticket prices:

P700 Orchestra Center

P500 Orchestra Side

For inquiries:

Clarion Chamber Ensemble 890-8840

CCP Box Office 832-3704

Flutopia: A Flute Celebration at the CCP Gala Concert

Flutist Jin Ta

Featuring:

Jin Ta, flute

Hercules Santiago, flute

Gary Silangcruz, flute

Olivier Ochanine, flute

Kiko Candelaria, flute

Marie Poblete, flute

David Jerome Johnson, flute

Lin Shumei, piano

Rommel Cruz, bass

Gian Vergel, drums

Programme:

Francis Poulenc Sonata for Flute and Piano

Claude Bolling Baroque and Blue from Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio

Giulio Briccialdi Flute Quartet in A major

Friedrich Kuhlau Flute Quartet in E minor, Op. 103

Astor Piazzolla Oblivion

Paul Taffanel Fantasy on Themes from Der Freischütz

For someone like me who isn’t very familiar with the flute repertoire, the Flutopia: A Flute Celebration at the CCP provided a great opportunity for me to acquaint myself with the instrument. For two days, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ was bustling with various activities highlighting the flute that included free mini-concerts, exhibits, flute repair services, masterclasses and workshops. But the main highlight of the two day festival was definitely the Gala Concert held at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) that featured Jin Ta, principal flutist of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and also pianist Lin Shumei.

Pianist Lin Shumei

I only got to know the concert programme only a few hours before the performance started, so I really had no idea what to expect from the pieces that they’ve prepared. The concert started with Jin Ta and Lin Shumei performing Francis Poulenc’s Sonata for Flute and Piano, which is what I expected from this concert: a sonata featuring the flute while accompanied by the piano. But the following piece provided a bit of a surprise. The two, now joined by bassist Rommel Cruz and drummer Gian Vergel performed Claude Bolling’s Baroque and Blue from Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio which was a delight to hear. An all too familiar flute passage opened the piece and then was followed by a cool jamming by the jazz piano trio before joining forces. I started to wonder why I hadn’t been aware of this piece of music in the first place.

The two flute quartets that followed also served as an introduction for me of this chamber music setup. The first quartet was composed by Jin Ta, Hercules Santiago, Gary Silangcruz, and Olivier Ochanine playing Giulio Briccialdi Flute Quartet in A major while the second quartet had Kiko Candelaria, Marie Poblete, and David Jerome Johnson, joining Jin Ta in performing Friedrich Kuhlau’s Flute Quartet in E minor, Op. 103. I noticed that all the flutists in both quartets used the standard flute. I wondered how having the same flutes would sound since I half expected seeing a piccolo and perhaps an alto flute in the mix. Remarkably, listening to flute quartet music proved not too challenging for me. I liked how most of the melody/top line played by flute 1 was paralleled (mostly in thirds) by flute 2 while the other two either provided a counterpoint or long, sustained low notes. It was indeed like listening to multiple birds chirping in perfect harmony.

Flutist Olivier Ochanine

In Astor Piazzola’s Oblivion (featuring the same musicians who did the Bolling piece) provided a dramatic moment in the concert which was a nice contrast to the Bolling that they did earlier. But the truly virtuosic piece was the one that ended the concert, Paul Taffanel’s Fantasy on Themes from Der Freischütz. I am not familiar at all with Der Freischütz so I feared that I wouldn’t be able to grasp the themes in this piece. Thankfully, I didn’t need to be familiar with it to appreciate Jin Ta handling it with such mastery. I was very impressed towards the end when he maintained a clear melodic line amid a flurry of ascending and descending arpeggios. For a single voiced instrument, Jin Ta was able to create multiple layers as if there was another flutist playing with him. For an encore, Jin Ta and Lin Shumei presented a Filipino piece, Lagi Kitang Naaalala by Levi Celerio. It may not be a showstopper like the Taffanel but it was an exquisite way to end the night.

Marimbist Aimee Mina-De la Cruz

I do think that I’ve learned a lot about the flute during the Gala Concert for the show presented a very varied repertoire compared to the usual recitals that I’ve been too. And for those who still didn’t get enough of the flute, they should not fret for a flute concerto is coming soon courtesy of the opening performance for the new concert season of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Japan-Philippines Friendship Contemporary Music Festival Part 1

Pianist Ayumi Hirahara

Featuring:

Ayumi Hirahara, piano

Hiroshi Shibayama, oboe

String Quartet I

     Takashi Hamano, violin

     Naoru Komiya, violin

     Go Tomono, viola

     Ken’ichi Nishiyama, cello

PPO Wind Quartet

     Rosemarie Poblete, flute

     Ariel Sta. Ana, clarinet

     Jose Jerry Samonte, bassoon

     Ernani Pascual, horn

PPO String Quartet

     Dino Decena, violin

     Joanna Ruth Livioco, violin

     Joy Allan de la Cruz, viola

     Herrick Ortiz, cello

Programme:

Yasushi Akutagawa La Dance: Suite for Piano

Francisco Santiago Nocturne in E flat minor

Maki Ishii North-Silver-Night, Op. 93 Winter

Francisco Buencamino Maligayang Bati

Hal Goodman Woodwind Boogie

Astor Piazzolla Violetango

Toru Takemitsu Entre-Temps for Oboe and String Quartet

Tadashi Kubo String Quartet Elegy

Manuel Maramba String Quartet

Chamber music that included two pieces having their world premiere performances was what the first night of the Japan-Philippines Friendship Contemporary Music Festival held at the Philam Life Auditorium had in store. Japanese and Filipino musicians from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra shared the stage as they played contemporary music from composers from their respective countries (with a couple of exemptions).

First up that evening was Japanese pianist Ayumi Hirahara. She played Yasushi Akutagawa’s La Dance: Suite for Piano, Francisco Santiago’s Nocturne in E flat minor, Maki Ishii’s North-Silver-Night, Op. 93 Winter and Francisco Buencamino’s Maligayang Bati. These pieces, with the exception of Ishii’s composition, were very Western in character and in line with the compositions from the Romantic era. It made me wonder if I was indeed at a concert that would showcase contemporary compositions.

Oboist Hiroshi Shibayama

After Hirahara’s solo piano part and before the interval, composers Tadashi Kubo, Manuel Maramba, Masashi Ishida and Herminigildo Ranera took to the stage to briefly discuss their works which had yet to be premiered. I appreciated this section since it gave me an idea and much needed background information regarding the pieces that would have their world premiere.

The PPO wind quartet composed of flutist Rosemarie Poblete, clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana, bassoonist Jose Jerry Samonte, and horn player Ernani Pascual got the second half going by playing Hal Goodman’s Woodwind Boogie and Astor Piazzolla’s Violetango. I found the music selection for this section truly odd since they were not written by either Japanese or Filipino composers.

Violinist Naoru Komiya, violist Go Tomono, composers Tadashi Kubo and
Masashi Ishida, violinist Takashi Hamano and cellist Ken'ichi Nishiyama

Then the String Quartet 1, composed of violinists Takashi Hamano and Naoru Komiya, violist Go Tomono, and cellist Ken’ichi Nishiyama joined by oboist Hiroshi Shibayama played Toru Takemitsu’s Entre-Temps for Oboe and String Quartet. It was only during this time when I felt that the concert finally ventured into contemporary music territory. Piercing harmonics, atmospheric oboe passages weaving dissonant textures characterize this Eastern sounding piece which some might have found grating and unpleasant sounding.

Finally, the concert ended with the two world premiere performances, Tadashi Kubo’s String Quartet Elegy and Manuel Maramba’s String Quartet. Kubo’s work was performed by the String Quartet 1 and it was again very Eastern in flavor. The structure of this piece was very interesting as the first part featured long sustained notes which greatly contrasted to the pizzicato from all the instruments towards the end. The PPO String Quartet, composed of violinists Dino Decena and Joanna Ruth Livioco, violist Joy Allan de la Cruz, and cellist Herrick Ortiz played Maramba’s new work for the String Quartet. Maramba’s work was about the year 2013 coming out from the remains of 2012. I admit that it was difficult to connect that concept with the music that I was able to hear during the performance. But I think that it was very easy to connect with their encore which was Nicanor Abelardo’s Nasaan Ka Irog performed by both string quartets along with oboist Hiroshi Shibayama.

Conductors Herminigildo Ranera and Tatsuya Shimono

The new works that were performed at this concert really did sound contemporary and they might not be in tune with most listeners’ tastes. I would be very surprised if any among that audience went out of the concert humming the themes, if any were discernible at all, from these pieces. It remains to be seen if these works will be performed again in the future.

Japan-Philippines Friendship Contemporary Music Festival Part 2

Chinese cellist Guo Qiele joins MCO Foundation’s 2013 Chamber Music Festival

March 6, 2013, 7:00 PM

Ayala Museum

Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street

Greenbelt Park, Makati

Featuring:

Gina Medina, violin

Guo Qiele, cello

Mary Anne Espina, piano

Programme:

Antonín Dvořák Piano Trio No. 3 in F minor, Op. 65

Astor Piazzolla The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires

The MCO Foundation and the Ayala Museum present another night of chamber music as Chinese cellist Guo Qiele joins violinist Gina Medina and pianist Mary Anne Espina in Turning Point: A Chamber Music Evening this March 6, 2013, 7:00 PM at the Ayala Museum.

Cellist Guo Qiele

The trio of Medina, Qiele and Espina is set to perform Antonín Dvořák’s Piano Trio No. 3 in F minor, Op. 65 and Astor Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires in this concert. The Dvorak piano trio is a serious work that is characterized with a tragic, conflicted and stormy music reminiscent of Brahms’ works. The Piazzolla piece on the other hand depicts the four seasons for a porteño (resient of Buenos Aires) through tango music which Piazzolla is very famous for.

Violinist Gina Medina

There is no doubt that local music enthusiasts will be looking forward to seeing cellist Guo Qiele in this concert. Just 16 years old, Guo Qiele was named as one of the "Ten Talented Young Artists of China" when he was just 14 years old. He is currently under the tutelage of another sensational cellist Qin Li Wei in Singapore. The two other musicians, Gina Medina and Mary Anne Espina, almost need no introduction. Gina Medina, current concertmaster of the Manila Symphony Orchestra, has been featured as a soloist and a chamber music performer for years now. Mary Anne Espina, also a frequent collaborator of Medina, is one of the most sought after and dependable collaborating artists today. She was recently part of the orchestra during The Phantom of the Opera’s sold out run last year.

Pianist Mary Anne Espina

The MCO Foundation is a 28-year old non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of classical arts. This concert is made possible through the support of Ayala Museum together with Lyric Piano and Organ, BusinessWorld, HighLife, HerWord and DZFE FM 98.7.

Ticket prices:

P1000 Center

P600 Side

For inquiries:

MCOF 750-0768, (0920) 954-0053

Allan 782-7164, (0918) 347-3027

Ticketworld 891-9999