Due to a personal emergency, the scheduled featured artist for the next Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Forte concert was unavailable. But luckily — bless the heavens — the stars aligned and Aylen Pritchin stepped up to the plate, despite his busy schedule.

And so, in Forte: Europa, an installment of the CCP’s Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s (PPO) 40th concert season, Pritchin immediately flew in for an in-and-out performance. Though a substitute, he absolutely dazzled on stage!

Do not allow his understated demeanor fool you; Pritchin is no stranger to excellence. He boasts a stellar career studded with accolades and collaborations with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras. The musician is a force to be reckoned with in the classical music scene.

In fact, he is one of the most sought-after and versatile artists of his generation. His repertoire spans centuries, from early music to contemporary works. The prodigy is equally adept on period and modern instruments. He has earned numerous awards, to include the First Grand Prize at the prestigious Long-Thibaud International Competition in Paris.

He has even performed with major orchestras across Europe and Asia, such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln, and the Taiwan Philharmonic Orchestra, among several others of great importance.

A passionate chamber musician, Pritchin has also graced renowned musical halls such as the Wiener Konzerthaus and Amsterdam Concertgebouw.

His recordings, to include the critically acclaimed Debussy-Hahn-Stravinsky, have earned him coveted titles such as the Preis der Deutschen Schallplaten Kritik in Germany and a Choc de Classica in France.

Upon arrival, the Samsung Performing Arts Theater lobby was lit up by an excited buzz. We learned from Glaiza Lee, OIC of the CCP’s Corporate Communications Division, that Tiffany Liong of the DZFE Radio Company had a mini-talk just before the program to share some insights on the featured pieces.

As we finally took our seats, the chatter immediately simmered down to a complete silence as the PPO played the first note, under the baton of conductor Grzegorz Nowak.

The concert opened with Zoltán Kodály’s Dances of Galánta, a vibrant and rhythmic piece inspired by the traditional Hungarian verbunkos dances. Kodály, a pioneer of ethnomusicology, drew from his childhood memories of a Gypsy band in Galánta, a small Hungarian town. The composition, with its lively tempo shifts and folk-inspired melodies, paid tribute to the rich musical traditions of Hungary.

Pritchin took the spotlight during the main passage of the evening, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35. Composed during a tumultuous period in Tchaikovsky’s life, the concerto is a testament to his resilience and creativity. The guest performer’s interpretation was masterful, from the upbeat Allegro moderato to the tender Canzonetta: Andante and the breathtaking Allegro vivacissimo. His performance captured the concerto’s technical brilliance and emotional depth, earning a standing ovation from the audience.

Immediately, the crowd jolted up their seats for a seemingly never-ending standing ovation, with whispers this was the perfect time for Pritchin to take a deep bow, even on short notice. He returned for an encore performance of Ysaye Sonata no. 2, a four-movement piece which greatly resembles the style of Johann Sebastian Bach.

The second half of the program featured Antonín Dvorák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88. Known for its joyful energy and folk-inspired themes, the symphony reflected Dvorák’s deep connection to his Czech heritage. Under Nowak’s direction, the PPO brought contrasting moods to life, from the solemn intro of the first movement to the exuberant finale — with excellent solo portions by Diomedes Saraza Jr., guest concertmaster and artist-in-residence.

The audience once again burst into applause and more applauses, with cheers on end.

Forte’s Concert V: Hope is set for 14 February at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, featuring pianist Konrad Binienda and soprano Malgorzata Trojanowska.

Viva, CCP and PPO! ¡Enhorabuena!, Aylen Pritchin!