Roustem Saïtkoulov delivers exceptional Chopin at PPO concert

Roustem Saïtkoulov, Grzegorz Nowak, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra 

Despite all the behind the scenes drama that surrounded the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's latest outing, guest pianist Roustem Saïtkoulov delivered a noteworthy performance that turned the concert into a resounding success.

Even before the first note was played, there was already a figurative dark cloud hovering within the Samsung Performing Arts Theater as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the PPO were mourning the passings of Zenaida R. Tantoco, former CCP Board of Trustee Member and a patroness of the orchestra, and of Leonardo "Ding" Malazo, former PPO Asisstant Principal Cellist.

Grzegorz Nowak and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra 

Add to the atmosphere the disappointment that lingered still in some audience members who for months leading into the concert were anticipating a different pianist. So to say that Saïtkoulov's take on Frédéric Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 would be more scrutinized than usual was no exaggeration.

Roustem Saïtkoulov, CCP President Michelle Nikki Junia,
and Grzegorz Nowak 

Thankfully, Saïtkoulov presented a Chopin that more than just satisfied. It was a rendition that was well within expectations (no eyebrow raising, radical deviations from the norm) yet still brimming with excitement. With his hands, the ornamentations in the second movement Larghetto were crystalline and he undoubtedly made the Fazioli piano sing. His performance has been the most moving of the season so far evidenced by the resounding cheers and applause from the audience. And by the time he played the last chords of his encore, Chopin's Étude Op. 10, No. 12 in C minor, Revolutionary, he most likely have already swayed the most jaded audience member who clung on to a Zimerman performance up to the last minute.

Polish Amb. Jarosław Szczepankiewicz, Roustem Saïtkoulov,
and Grzegorz Nowak 

So remarkable was Saïtkoulov's Chopin that the other pieces namely Karol Kurpiński's Dwie Chatki (Two Cottages) Overture, Mieczysław Karłowicz' Powracające fale, Op. 9 (Returning Waves), and Stanisław Moniuszko's Bajka (The Fairy Tale) Overture were rendered forgettable. With Grzegorz Nowak at the podium, the picturesque music by these Polish composers captured the audience at the moment but it was the Chopin that still lingered and elicited the conversations at the lobby long after the final note has died down.