Renowned pianist Raul Sunico and the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) are set to present a groundbreaking concert on Thursday, February 6, at 7 p.m. at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.
The event, titled “Gabi ng Piyano Konsyertong Pilipino,” will showcase three iconic Filipino piano concertos in one evening— marking a historic moment in the celebration and preservation of Filipino music.
Conducted by maestros Jeffrey Solares and Herminigildo Ranera, both of whom are faculty members at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, the concert will feature some of the country’s most treasured 20th-century works. This performance, which brings together concertos long considered cornerstones of the Philippines’ musical heritage, marks the first time in many years that these pieces will be performed together in a single program.
The featured works include Lucino Sacramento’s Piano Concerto No. 2 “Maharlika” (1973), which was first premiered by Sunico fifty years ago and reflects the strength and spirit of the Filipino people. Also on the program is Alfredo Buenaventura’s Piano Concerto No. 1 “Celebration” (1976), a lively piece that captures the celebratory nature of Filipino culture. The third work, Francisco Santiago’s Piano Concerto in B-flat minor (1924), is of particular significance. Thought to have been lost during World War II, this concerto was recently reconstructed by one of Santiago’s students and will be performed with orchestration faithful to the composer’s original vision. The performance will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of its debut at the Manila Grand Opera House in 1925.
Sunico, an internationally acclaimed pianist known for his dedication to Filipino music, is the ideal artist to perform these masterpieces. His involvement in this concert highlights his ongoing commitment to the revival and perpetuation of Filipino classical music. Founded in 1926, the MSO is one of Asia’s oldest and most respected orchestras, having worked with renowned musicians such as Yehudi Menuhin, Arthur Fiedler, and Montserrat Caballe, in addition to celebrated Filipino artists like Antonio Molina, Lucio San Pedro, and Ryan Cayabyab.
“Gabi ng Piyano Konsyertong Pilipino” is produced by Musika Pilipinas, a research initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Council of the Philippines, and implemented by the UST Center for Culture, Arts, and Humanities.
Tickets for the event are available through TicketWorld.