Pianist Raul Sunico and the Manila Symphony Orchestra will take on the daunting task of performing three concertos in one evening in Gabi ng Piyano Konsyertong Pilipino, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, 6 February, at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.
Conductors for the concert will be maestros Jeffrey Solares and Herminigildo Ranera of the faculty of the Conservatory of Music of the University of Santo Tomas.
This historically significant event marks a milestone in the history of Filipino music as the featured concertos, considered cornerstones of the country’s musical heritage, will be performed for the first time after many years.
These concertos not only highlight the rich heritage of Filipino composers of the 20th century, but also underscore the revival and perpetuation of the tradition of Filipino piano music.
These are: Lucino Sacramento’s Piano Concerto No.2 “Maharlika” from 1973, which was originally premiered by Sunico 50 years ago; Alfredo Buenaventura’s Piano Concerto No. 1 “Celebration” from 1976; and Francisco Santiago’s Piano Concerto in Bb minor from 1924.
The performance of Santiago’s concerto is particularly important. It was thought lost during World War II, but a reconstruction by his student was recently found and is now resurrected with orchestration faithful to Santiago’s original vision. This will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of this concerto which was first performed at the Manila Grand Opera House on 5 February 1925.
The internationally renowned Sunico’s extraordinary talent and vaunted dedication to ensuring the propagation of Filipino music make him the ideal artist to perform these masterpieces and lead what is expected to be the beginning of a cultural revival.