Recitals are a good way of gauging the growth and transitions of performing artists.
If you have heard promising pianists in their teens, been impressed by them in their 20s or 30s, then listening to them in recitals in their 40s and 50s will give you an idea of the kind of artists they have evolved through the years.
So we welcome the solo recital of pianist Albert Tiu, one of our international prizewinners, wondering what he has to offer apart from technical expertise and an impressive profile.
Tiu’s recital on June 6, 7 p.m., at Ayala Museum, presented by the MCO Foundation, offers a highly interesting program: Leopold Godowsky’s “The Gardens of Buitenzorg” (from “Java” Suite); Debussy’s “Reflets dan l’Eau” (from “Images I,” characterized by piano rolls); Manuel de Falla’s “Ritual Fire Dance”; Erik Satie’s “Feu d’Artifice” (from Sports et Divertissements); Roger Quilter’s transcription of Stephen Hough’s “The Fuchsia Tree.”
On June 10, in the concert “Heritage” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Little Theater, Tiu is soloist of the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in Brahms’ “Piano Concerto No. 1,” conducted by Arturo Molina. The concert also includes Lucio San Pedro’s “Lahing Kayumanggi” and Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 4.”
Artists develop a solid following by making lasting connections with their audiences. With traffic and floods affecting cultural events, artists must have a bond with audiences so deep that no storm would stop them from coming to their concerts.
Scholarship and donation
MSO is the recipient of a donation—a Salvi grand concert harp—from the Lisa Zheng Art Foundation.
Part of the ceremony was a special performance of harpist Lourdes de Leon Gregorio. She performed Henri Busser’s “Piece de Concert” and later joined MSO for a performance of Bizet’s “Intermezzo” from “Carmen” and Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers,” which prominently featured the harp.
Last summer, MSO was kept busy by its rush-hour concerts at Ayala Museum.
Some MSO Music Academy faculty members visited Cagayan de Oro City to audition students for scholarship of the Marinela Neri Velez Strings Program.
The program has about 60 full scholars, ages 6-20. Aside from violin, viola, cello and bass lessons, they have classes in singing, basic theory, solfeggio, dictation, and choral singing.
The academy has high-quality Eastman violins, violas and cellos for sale or for rent. Visit MSO Music Academy offices at Unit 1602, Marbella Condominium, 2071 Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila. Call 5235712 or 0915-1289644.
