Violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr. headlines PPO concert "Fantasy"

Violinist Diomedes Saraza, Jr., the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's Artist-in-Residence and current Concertmaster has been impressing audiences with his featured solos in Richard Strauss' Ein Heldenleben (A Hero's Life), Op. 40 and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34 during the last couple of season concerts of the PPO.

Saraza Jr. was originally scheduled to close out the PPO's 40th concert season in April but it seems that the previous season still has a hold on the current one as there has been a switch with him now being the featured soloist for the upcoming concert, billed as Fantasy, happening on December 6, 2024, 7:30 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati.

Diomedes Saraza, Jr.

While the rest of the program remains unchanged, with Maestro Grzegorz Nowak leading the orchestra with Gioachino Rossini's William Tell Overture and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64, the concerto with Saraza Jr. will now be Jean Sibelius' Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47.

Previously scheduled soloist, violinist Andrea Obiso will now close out the season while Saraza Jr. is still slated to perform Dmitri Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 77 in a special concert outside of the season.

What is more remarkable is that just a day before, on December 5, 2024, 4:30 PM, Saraza Jr. joins pianist Victor Asuncion and cellist John Henry Crawford in a performance of Brahms and Mendelssohn Piano Trios at the Corazon Aquino Hall at St. Scholastica's College, Manila.

Reprinted below is the press release for the upcoming PPO season concert.

PPO's Concert III: Fantasy explores depths of human emotions

Violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr takes music lovers on a journey of imagination with the third installment of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO)’s 40th concert season, slated on December 6, 7:30 p.m., at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

With his 1972 French violin by Eugene Guinot and Rene Morel (given by Standard Insurance), Saraza Jr. will captivate with his exceptional skill and artistry on the violin as he effortlessly meets the virtuosic demands of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto op.47, D minor.

One of the most challenging in the repertoire in the classic music scene, Sibelius concerto premiered in 1904, with violin teacher Victor Novàček as soloist. With lukewarm reception during its premiere, Sibelius rewrote the concerto in 1905, with Berlin concertmaster Karl Halir playing the revised piece.

Music history has revealed that the concerto was initially created for violinist Willy Burmester, who was then the concertmaster in Helsingfors. After Sibelius passed him over during its two premieres, Burmester never touched the work for the rest of his life.

For the PPO Concert III, Saraza will be performing with the PPO and taking the audiences on a profound journey through the emotional spectrum of life, under the baton of acclaimed music director and principal conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak.

Currently the PPO’s guest concertmaster and artist-in-residence, Saraza received both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in music from The Juilliard School as a full tuition scholar. He studied under the tutelage of Juilliard's Dean Emeritus-violinist Stephen Clapp, American violinist-pedagogue Lewis Kaplan, and Taiwanese-American violinist Joseph Lin (the first violinist of the Juilliard String Quartet from 2011 to 2018).

He also finished his master’s in musical arts from Yale University, under Prof. Hyo Kang. During his time in Yale, Saraza was awarded the Brodus Erle Prize 2016 for best violinist of the school year and the Alumni Association Prize 2017 for important community initiatives that he led.

Since winning the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in the Philippines in 2002 at age 12, Saraza has been performing and giving solo recitals both in the Philippines and abroad. He has won international competitions, including New York’s Friday-Woodmere Young Artist Competition and Associated Music Teacher’s League Competition.

He has performed solo internationally with the New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble, the Sichuan Philharmonic Orchestra, among others, as well as locally with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and the PPO. He has collaborated as soloist with prominent conductors, namely Darrell Ang, Olivier Ochanine, David Bernard, Gerard Salonga, Yoshikazu Fukumura, Joshua Kangmin Tan, and Haoran Li.

Saraza served as concertmaster of MSO and Yale Philharmonia, as well as an associate and assistant concertmaster of The Juilliard Orchestra and Juilliard Lab Orchestra. He was also an educator at St. Scholastica’s College Manila and the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra.

Saraza has finished his USA recital tour and album recording with Music Foundation founder and Steinway artist Victor Asuncion.

Completing the program for the Concert III: Fantasy, the PPO will perform Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell Overture and Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 5, op. 64, E minor.

Premiered in Paris on August 3, 1829, the William Tell Overture is part of Gioachino Rossini’s opera Guillaume Tell, which was adapted from Friedrich Schiller’s 1804 drama inspired by the legendary 14th-century Swiss patriot William Tell. In pop culture, this piece is best known for its thrilling final three minutes, which became iconic as the theme music for The Lone Ranger, the masked avenger of the Wild West.

Meanwhile, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64, is often interpreted as a reflection of the composer’s personal struggles and doubts. First performed in 1888, with Tchaikovsky conducting, the symphony is known for its sweeping melodies, dramatic contrasts, and rich orchestration. Over the years, this masterpiece has remained a favorite in concert halls.

The PPO Concert III: Fantasy is scheduled for December 6, 7:30 p.m., at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Secure your seats at the CCP Box Office at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez and/or via TicketWorld. For inquiries, call the CCP Box Office at +63931-033-0880 or email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph.

Instituto Cervantes Brings Spanish Classical Guitar Virtuoso Miguel Trápaga to Manila

BREAKING:

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the concerts are postponed and rescheduled on February 2025. Instituto Cervantes de Manila apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the rescheduling.

Instituto Cervantes de Manila and the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, in collaboration with the UP College of Music, are proud to present the internationally acclaimed Spanish guitarist Miguel Trápaga in a series of concerts featuring his latest project, The Guitar in the Time of Manuel de Falla.

Performances are scheduled for November 25 at 6:00 PM, at the College of Architecture of the University of the Philippines Diliman, and November 28 at 7:30 PM at Instituto Cervantes in Intramuros. These concerts promise a captivating journey through Spain’s rich musical heritage, brought to life by Trápaga, one of the world’s leading ambassadors of classical guitar.

Born in Cantabria, Spain, Miguel Trápaga is celebrated for his profound commitment to the classical guitar repertoire, from 18th-century masterpieces to contemporary works. Being a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid, Trápaga has earned numerous awards, including top honors at prestigious competitions such as the Andrés Segovia International Guitar Competition or the Guitar Foundation of America’s International Solo Guitar Competition.

With an impressive international career, Trápaga has performed in iconic venues such as the Forbidden City Auditorium in Beijing, the Teresa Carreño Theater in Caracas, or the National Theatre in Taiwan. He has also collaborated with esteemed orchestras including the Real Filharmonía de Galicia, the Seville Symphony Orchestra, and the National Philharmonic of Ukraine.

Trápaga’s discography includes seven albums, with notable recordings for the NAXOS label, such as Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquín Rodrigo, and the world premiere of Leo Brouwer’s Concierto de Benicassim. His latest album, Double Guitar Concertos, showcases works by renowned Spanish composers.

Miguel Trápaga
Photo © Kazuhiro Yoshizumi

In addition to his active concert schedule, Trápaga is a professor at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid and a sought-after guest lecturer worldwide, having taught masterclasses at institutions such as the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and the Melbourne University Conservatorium of Music.

The program, The Guitar in the Time of Manuel de Falla, features a carefully curated selection of compositions that highlight the vibrant and evocative spirit of Spanish music.

First Part:

Isaac Albéniz: Asturias, Capricho Catalán, Torre Bermeja

Manuel M. Ponce: Suite in A Minor (Prélude, Allemande, Sarabande, Gavotte I et II, Gigue)

Second Part:

Federico Moreno-Torroba: Sonatina (Allegretto, Andante, Allegro)

Manuel de Falla: Homenaje a Debussy, Romance del Pescador, Canción del Fuego Fatuo

Joaquín Turina: Sonata for Guitar, Op. 61 (Allegro, Andante, Allegro Vivo)

Both performances are free of charge, but seating is limited. Reservations can be made through the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/k48Kkw8NTA

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the artistry of Miguel Trápaga and experience the timeless beauty of Spanish classical guitar.

For updates on the concerts and other cultural activities of Instituto Cervantes, please visit Instituto Cervantes de Manila website https://manila.cervantes.es, or its Facebook and Instagram pages: www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila and https://www.instagram.com/institutocervantesmanila/

Italian Film Festival 2024 at QCinema

From November 12 to 18, 2024, Italian films are set to make their comeback in Philippine Cinema with the return of the Italian Film Festival in Manila and in Cebu City led by Festival Director Mr. Antonio Termenini. The promotion of Italian Cinema in Manila is part of the extensive annual program of Cineforum Robert Bresson to promote the richness and diversity of Italian Cinema across Asia. This also includes collaborations with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and other initiatives like the Asian Film Festival and Beyond the Mirror (Oltre lo specchio) Film Festival.

The Italian Film Festival is locally organized by the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA) under the auspices and financial support of the Embassy of Italy in Manila and in collaboration with QCinema. The QCinema, over the past 18 months, has been at the forefront of fostering international collaborations, uniting countries with different cultures through films. The Last Shadow at the First Light, for instance, is a pioneering project led by QCinema that is co-produced by the Philippines, Singapore, Slovenia, and Japan. The collaboration with QCinema, therefore, is a fundamental aspect of this festival’s organization and in attracting audiences.

The Italian Film Festival will take place in multiple venues across Metro Manila, with screenings scheduled in Pasig City, Makati City, and Quezon City. The venues include Shangri-la Red Carpet, Power Plant Cinema, and Gateway Cinema. It will feature the following six contemporary films, carefully selected to reflect the current landscape of Italian cinema:

La Chimera (2023)

Director: Alice Rohrwache

Cast: Josh O'Connor, Carol Duartem Alba Rohrwacherm Isabella Rossellini, Vincenzo Nemolato, Lou Roy-Lecollinet

Josh O’Connor plays Arthur, an English archaeologist who has just been released from Italian prison. It doesn’t take him long to fall back with his old crew, who take advantage of Arthur’s supernatural gift for finding ancient tombs, which they loot for Etruscan artifacts to sell. Director Rohrwacher crafts a very unusual depiction of capitalist conflict: a rowdy tale of chaos borne of people fighting over commodities ripped from their historical contexts, and made little more than trinkets to be bought and sold.

Diabolik Chi sei? | Diabolik: Who are You? (2023)

Directors: Antonio Manetti, Antonio Minetti

Cast: Giacomo Gianniotti, Miriam Leone, Valerio Mastandrea, Monica Bellucci, Pier Giorgio Bellocchio, Chiara Martegiani

Based on the popular comic series created by Angela and Luciana Giussani. The titular master thief (Giacomo Gianniotti) has been captured by a ruthless criminal syndicate, along with his constant pursuer, Inspector Ginko (Valerio Mastandrea). Their partners, Eva Kant and Altea di Vallenberg (Miriam Leone and Monica Belluci), form an uneasy alliance in order to save the men they love.

Io Capitano (2023)

Director: Matteo Garrone

Cast: Seydou Sarr, Moustapha Fall, Issaka Sawadogo, Hichem Yacoubi, Doodou Sagna Khady Sy

Winner of the Silver Lion. Cousins Seydou and Moussa (Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall) leave their hometown of Dakar, Senegal in hopes of finding a better future in Italy. This journey takes them through several countries, where they encounter all manner of corruption. It has them crossing the dangerous Sahara Desert. And they will face the broad apathy of Europeans over the plight of refugees.

Palazzina Laf (2023)

Director: Michele Riondino

Cast: Michele Riondino, Elio Germano, Vanessa Scalera, Anna Ferruzzo, Domenico Fortunato, Giovanni D'Addario

Based on a true story. Set in 1997, the film follows cleaner Caterina Lamanna (played by director Michele RIondino), who works in the massive Ilva Steelworks in Taranto. He is forced by his superior to spy on his co-workers, reporting on any talk that might prove detrimental to the company and its bottom line. What he finds along the way is a systematic attempt by the company to psychologically crush its employees, the revelation of which would set an important precedent in Italian labor laws.

Quell’estate con Irène | My Summer with Irène (2024)

Director: Carlo Sironi

Cast: Noée Abita, Maria Camilla Brandenburg, Claudio Segaluscio, Gabriele Rollo, Beatrice Puccilli, Anna di Luzio

Shy Clara (Maria Camilla Brandenburg) meets the outgoing Irène (Noée Abita) at a summer camp organized by the hospital where they are both being treated. The two seventeen-year-olds form a quick bond, in spite of the differences in their personality. The two impulsively decide to go on a trip together to Sicily, putting off their return to their families, and instead going on a journey to discover who they really are, and what they want out of this tragically short life.

Rapito | Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara (2023)

Director: Marco Bellocchio

Cast: Enea Sala, Leonardo Maltese, Paolo Pierobon, Fausto Russo Alesi, Barbara Ronchi, Andrea Gherpelli

Recounts the true story of Edgardo Montara, a Jewish child from Bologna who in 1858 was abducted by the Catholic Church due to having been secretly baptized by his family’s Christian maid back when he was an infant. Montara was taken to Rome, where he would end up being raised and tutored personally by Pope Pius IX, who sought to preserve the primacy of the Church and its laws. This choice would prove to be controversial, causing an uproar that reverberated throughout Italy and Europe.

The esteemed directors of the Diabolik saga, Antonio and Marco Manetti, are likely to attend as guests of honor, adding a distinguished presence to the event. If confirmed, audiences and filmmakers will be given a unique opportunity to engage with the internationally acclaimed Italian directors.

The festival will include special screenings, Q&A sessions, and interactive discussions, creating a rich, immersive experience for attendees. Through the collaboration between Cineforum Robert Bresson, the Asian Film Festival, the MAECI, the Embassy of Italy, PIA, and QCinema, the event will engage the Italian community in Manila as well as the Filipino cinema enthusiasts, sparking meaningful dialogue around contemporary Italian cinema while pr

omoting cross-cultural exchange between Italy and the Philippines.

All screenings except for La Chimera and Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara will be will be free of charge on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Here is the schedule of the Italian Film Festival 2024.

November 12, 2024

5:55 PM La Chimera (Gateway Mall, Cinema 16)

November 13, 2024

12:00 PM Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara (Gateway Mall, Cinema 16)

November 14, 2024

11:00 AM Diabolik: Who are You? (Shangri-La Plaza, Cinema 4)

12:30 AM My Summer with Irène (Gateway Mall, Cinema 16)

6:45 PM La Chimera (Shangri-La Plaza, Cinema 4)

9:20 PM Io Capitano (Shangri-La Plaza, Cinema 4)

November 15, 2024

12:00 PM Palazzina Laf (Powerplant Mall, Cinema 6)

2:00 PM Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara (Powerplant Mall, Cinema 6)

Grammy Award-winning cellist Sara Sant'Ambrogio makes Philippine debut at PPO's concert

Grammy Award-winning cellist Sara Sant'Ambrogio makes her Philippine debut at the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's upcoming concert on November 15, 2024, 7:30 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati.

Billed as Triumph, the second concert of the PPOs 40th season sees Sant'Ambrogio take on one of the most popular pieces in the cello repertoire, Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85.

Other pieces programmed for this evening include the lushly orchestrated Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34 by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and the uplifting Symphony No. 2, Op. 61 by Robert Schumann to be conducted by PPO Music Director and Principal Conductor Grzegorz Nowak.

Always pushing the boundaries of classical music and looking for new ways to draw in new audiences, the award-winning cellist first leapt to international attention when she was a winner at the International Tchaikovsky Violoncello Competition in Moscow, Russia. From then on, she has appeared as a soloist in concerts of various orchestras in Beijing, Boston, Budapest, Chicago, Prague, Osaka, and San Francisco, USA, among others.

Sara Sant'Ambrogio

A founding member of the Eroica Trio, the award-winning cellist has performed with Sting and Joshua Bell in the production of Twin Spirits, featuring the love affair between composer Robert Schumann and pianist Clara. Tracks from her Dreaming solo CD have been featured in various film soundtracks, including the opening title of HBO award-winning documentary A Matter of Taste.

Sant’Ambrogio started her cello studies with her father John, a principal cellist of the St. Louis Symphony. At 16, she was invited on full scholarship to study with David Soyer at the Curtis Institute of Music where she received her high school diploma.

Three years later, world renowned cellist Leonard Rose invited Sant’Ambrogio to study at The Juilliard School. Within weeks of arriving, she won the All-Juilliard Schumann Cello Concerto Competition, resulting in the first of many performances at Lincoln Center.