FILIPINO classical violinist Joaquin Maria “Chino” Gutierrez returns to the concert stage on Sept. 12, 7:30 pm. at the Francisco Santiago Concert Hall, BDO South Tower, Horacio de la Costa Street and Makati Avenue, Makati City. Gutierrez comes fresh from recent triumphant master courses at Kronberg Academy in Germany in early June and at Keshet Eilon in Israel in July and August.

He also had master classes with renowned professor Zakhar Bron, mentor of some of the world’s leading classical violinists, in Beijing late last December.

The 25-year-old Munich-based Gutierrez will play the following pieces: Ysaÿe’s Sonata No. 6, Beethoven’s Sonata No. 1, Rimsky-Korsakov’s “The Golden Cockerel,” Chausson’s “Poeme,” Gilopez Kabayao’s “Introduction & Pandanggo” and Wieniawski’s “Variations on an Original Theme.”

Accompanying him on the piano is Greg Zuniega.

Gutierrez has titled his concert “Full Circle,” as it presages his coming participation in the very tough Joseph Joachim International Violin (JJIV) Competition in Hannover, Germany late this September up to Oct. 10. Gutierrez was chosen as one of 39 participants to compete in five elimination rounds at the JJIV, out of over 200 who sent in their video recordings from around the world. This is the first time that a Filipino will participate in the prestigious JJIV Competition.

Gutierrez terms his Sept. 12 concert “Full Circle” because years ago he began his German exposure in Hannover where he auditioned with iconic pedagogue Jens Ellermann, who became his mentor in his early years in Munich. Now Hannover beckons once again in the coming JJIV Competition there.

Tickets are P2,000 and P1000 for orchestra and P800 for balcony. For reservations and tickets, call 2181864, 0915-1892998, 8975239 and 0917-832 5694.