For its 28th installment, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Conservatory of Music’s “Sampung Mga Daliri” will not only showcase homegrown talents but also feature a special performance by Polish pianist Lech Napierala.
The annual piano showcase, which features 10 grand pianos on stage, will run on March 11 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).
According to Anthony Say, head of the UST Conservatory’s Piano Department and coordinator of “Sampung Mga Daliri,” Napierala will deliver a 15-minute solo presentation.
Another performance to watch out for is the event’s finale, which is composed of various pieces such as “Alleluia” and “Sing unto Him” from “Judas Maccabeus” (G.F. Handel), and two medleys arranged by UST Symphony Orchestra conductor Herminigildo Ranera—one of which is a medley of songs by ’70s pop group ABBA.
The finale shall feature the UST Symphony Orchestra.
The 10 grand pianos spotlighted during the entire affair will be alternately played by noted alumni, faculty members, and selected students from the Piano Department.
Accompanying performances on the core instruments are various Thomasian groups such as the UST Symphony Orchestra; Conservatory of Music Rondalla Ensemble; UST Jazz Band; UST Symphonic Band; UST Guitar Ensemble; Conservatory of Music ethnic group; Voice Department faculty; Coro Tomasino; and Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble.
Included in the concert is CCP president and UST Conservatory dean Raul Sunico, himself a renowned pianist.
Several seasoned musicians and singers whose talents were honed by UST will also participate in the event.
Pieces to be performed are Johann Strauss’ “Blue Danube”; Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance”; Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture; and Georges Bizet’s Aragonaise and Bohemian Dance from his “Carmen” Suite.
“Sampung Mga Daliri” will also feature top students of the Conservatory.
“The students will always look forward to this event. It serves as their inspiration to work hard so that they can join next year,” Say said.
For tickets or inquiries, call the UST Conservatory, tel. 7414022, 4061611 loc. 8246, look for Anton Gutierrez; or CCP, tel. 8323704, 8321125 loc. 1409.