For many Filipinos, being an artist is a path that is fraught with difficulties, one of which is the limited access to formal art education which serves as a key stepping stone for future success. And for those lucky few who are talented enough to be given the chance to study abroad, even that can be a challenge due to numerous factors.
To help the new generation of artists reach their full potential, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), brings back its CCP International Scholarship Program which aims to support deserving artists and help them develop their skills in hopes of making their mark in the international scene.
“This is actually the first batch of scholars sent abroad for international studies by the CCP for the past 37 years. So for the past 37 years, the talented Filipino artists have been going on their own without support from CCP and we proud that we’re given the chance to continue this program at this time,” CCP Chairman Jaime Laya said at the formal introduction of this year’s CCP Young Music Scholars.
These young scholars are pianist Aidan Ezra Baracol, soprano Lizzie Bett Estrada, flutist Mark Kenedy Rocas and violinist Adrian Nicolas Ong.
Baracol has won numerous local and international piano competitions, including the Namcya Junior Piano Competition. He is currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London, learning from renowned instructors like Roberta Rust and Wael Farouk.
| Soprano Lizzie Bett Estrada
Estrada’s dedication to her craft has earned her recognition, including winning first prize in the Kathleen Ferrier Bursary for Young Singers Competition in 2023. She is currently pursuing her studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, under the guidance of professor Susan Waters.
Rocas has been a member of various ensembles, including the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in flute performance at the Longy School of Music of Bard College, under the tutelage of internationally acclaimed flutist Sooyun Kim.
Finally, Ong made his orchestral debut with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) at the young age of 17. He is currently studying at The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School in Canada, working towards his artist diploma under the guidance of Min-Jeong Koh and Paul Kantor.
During the media conference, the scholars expressed their gratitude to the institution and shared the weight of CCP’s support in their careers. “Studying abroad and being supported by CCP gives you more weight as an artist. You are bringing not only the Philippines but representing Philippine art as well. We are very grateful that we are now well-supported financially and, consequently, mentally,” Estrada said.
The four CCP Young Music Scholars will take the stage for Young People’s Concert, a music appreciation program for youth headed by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO).
Through this event, the artists aim to showcase what they have learned and experienced through their music as a way of giving back to their patrons. The concert is set on July 27, 5 p.m. at the Rizal Park Open Auditorium.
