The Philippine debut of 19-year-old classical guitarist Kevin Loh from Singapore on Sept. 24 in Makati stunned a select audience of guitar aficionados.
From Bach’s Suite in E Minor BWV 996 to “Two Songs” by Schubert arranged by Mertz, “Sevilla” by Albeniz and Piazzolla’s “Histoire du Tango (Night club 1960),” Loh performed like an old master trapped in a 19-year-old body.
Presented by Alliance Française de Manille and the Independent Philippines Art Ventures, the Loh recital showed excellent collaboration with brilliant flutist John Owen Castro.
Namcya
On the same day, winners of the National Music Competition for Young Artists (Namcya) were featured in a concert with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera.
Andrew Constantino made his clarinet sing in a movement from Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2, Op. 74, there was so much lyricism in the adagio movement in Joaquin Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez” with Aaron Aguila as soloist, while banduria soloist Nikki Zen Obmasca was a big revelation in Paganini’s “Moto Perpetuo.”
Moving
Just as moving and refined was the rendition of a movement from Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, Op. 64 with Dipolog-born Misha Romano as soloist.
Pianist Gabriel Paguirigan chose a rarely heard Bartok Piano Concerto No. 3 and shone in the last movement.
Namcya secretary general Renato Lucas said talent was not enough.
“It takes a lot to pool resources and an even greater amount of energy to create an environment where young talents can thrive and flourish with an eye for future audiences,” he said. —CONTRIBUTED
