The homecoming of Dr. Ingrid Sala Santamaria

She has long been an enduring accomplished artist in the Philippines’ cultural landscape — an internationally acclaimed concert pianist, an impassioned champion for music education, and a celebrated philanthropist whose indelible generosity continues to echo through the halls of the De La Salle University.

And then, all of a sudden, and for quite some time, silence.

Was it a well-planned retirement, perhaps? A quiet slipping away from the gracious spotlight, after decades of recitals in provincial basketball courts, global concerts in iconic halls, symphonic collaborations from the four corners of the world and institutional leadership here and abroad?

For many of her admirers and followers, colleagues and associates, the forever elegant terno-clad stunner who once brought life to Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Mozart had seemingly taken her final deep bow.

Until, on a quite subdued Saturday afternoon — the 6th of July to be precise — the ever-cooperative performing arts curtains were once again raised.

Inside the intimate Jaime Zobel Hall of the BGC Maybank Performing Arts Theater, a discerning all-too-eager crowd gathered with much anticipation, sans any fanfare. Instead, it was a warmly familial atmosphere, composed of loyal friends, music lovers, aspiring young pianists with tutors in tow, and generations of doting loved ones.

The affair? Lyric Piano and Organ Corporation, under the leadership of president Joy Cristobal, organized An Afternoon of Piano Music, a rather modest recital which marked the graceful re-emergence of Dr. Ingrid Sala Santamaria to an all-once-familiar concert stage.

Gone were the stiletto heels, among other usual standouts. In their place, unassuming black rubber shoes. No embroidered Filipiniana long gown in sight, but rather, a pink comfortable blouse with cutouts paired with slacks. Dressed down? Yes. But less stunning or dignified? No, a big no!

We then realized the sophisticated lady, the toast of society, who once conquered the world’s most prestigious concert halls and totally captivated its audiences now carefully walked with the aid of recovery. The result: We would come to learn, of a double knee surgery and a long rehabilitation, mutely endured yet never publicly paraded, lovingly surrounded by supportive family, attentive doctor and dedicated therapists.

Even the audience reflected this atmosphere with a super casual get-up — sneakers and deck shoes. Even loyal friend from way-back-when former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, all in emerald green, was in attendance, seen in no-fuss humble green slip-ons.

Onstage, the gleaming Bösendorfer grand piano stood, waiting for its rightful master. And when Dr. Ingrid Sala Santamaria gingerly took her seat before it — self-assured, serene and smiling — it was as if time had briefly stood still.

Her repertoire was personal, curated with much affection: 10 solo pieces, drawn from the Romantic Period’s most cherished composers — and her favorites when she was just a teen — seven by Frédéric Chopin, and three by Franz Liszt.

She kicked things off with Liszt’s “Dedication,” gentle yet imbued with reverence, which transitioned with quiet power into reverence. The audience, hushed and solemn, followed her every phrase, every nuanced shift.

Chopin’s “Nocturne in F-sharp Major Op. 15 No. 2” followed, introspective and refined. Then came “Fantasie Impromptu,” made beloved by its sentimental middle section, more popularly remembered as “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows.” She continued with “Etude in E Flat Minor Op. 10 No. 6,” sorrowful, yet luminous with technical prowess.

Liszt’s “Un Sospiro” — a piece full of delicate sighs and emotional peaks — drew admiration, before yielding to the lyrical “Liebestraum Dream of Love,” rich in romance and longing. Two Chopin ballades crowned the program: the radiant “No. 3 in A Flat Major,” and the dramatic “No. 1 in G Minor Op. 23” — a universal favorite, full of soaring melodies and climactic intensity, which served as her final offering.

After a much-appreciated encore and as the last chord faded, no one — absolutely no one — needed to say a word. It was crystal clear — she had not lost it.

Dr. Ingrid Sala Santamaria is back. Not in full force just yet — as she herself admitted it may take time before she can return to concerto performances — but this was, without question, the beginning of a new journey.