Evening symphonies

First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos came hurrying out to the veranda leading to the hall into the Goldenberg Mansion, San Miguel, Manila, where a grand piano stood front and center.

Seats were rapidly filled up, as distinguished guests came streaming in from both entrances left and right.

You could call many of them culturati, but what they are, really, are purveyors of Filipino culture — the varying personages who are still leading the way to a more vibrant future of the arts.

Ready to be captivated once more by the music of legendary Filipino pianist Raul Sunico and saxophonist Archie Lacorte were former First Lady Imelda Marcos, seated in front of students of the arts.

Some new faces popped into focus that night — Pia Wurtzbach, resplendent in emerald green; as well as other “celebrities” in their own fields.

The latest Goldenberg Concert was the second for Sunico, a proud scholar of First Lady Imelda, under the Young Artists Foundation of the Philippines.

Through the scholarship, Sunico earned his Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School in New York and subsequently obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Piano Performance from New York University.

In 2025, Sunico was also conferred the degree of Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa) by the Far Eastern University.

The serenade last 4 July featured three sets of music, onuding some of the best and legendary Filipino folk songs, namely, “Pamulinawen,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “Dahil Sa 'Yo” (a favorite of Madame Imelda Marcos), “Saranggola ni Pepe” and “Pandangguhan,” apart from international hits such as “Summertime,” “Night and Day,” “Overture to My Fair Lady,” Take Five,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Spain, “Never Let Her Slip Away” (one of many favorites of FL Liza) and “Rhapsody in Blue.”

With the melodies came nostalgia, vigor and inspiration, and for one evening, at least, people set aside their worries, enjoyed the good company of music aficionados and feel inner peace.

If there is one thing that Goldenberg The Concert Series can proudly claim, it is the reminder to pause, to feel once more the genteel sensibilities rapidly lost to a world in constant flux.