Megaworld and Rustan’s present a rare online musical performance by one of the world’s leading pianists and the Philippines’ pride.
World-renowned Filipino pianist Cecile Licad is back, albeit virtually, as she celebrates love and romance in “Amore: A Post-Valentine Hour with Cecile Licad in New York.”
Presented by Megaworld and Rustan’s for the benefit of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. (PPOSI), the online show can be seen via Zoom in Manila on February 22, Tuesday, 5 p.m. The post-Valentine musical event is also sponsored by SSI Group, Inc., Starbucks, San Miguel Corporation, BPI and Danny Dolor.
Interwoven with an interview by fellow pianist David Dubal, the fund-raising event headlines a passion-filled repertoire performed by Licad, including a number of beloved classics.
Filmed in the historical ballroom of the Lotos Club in New York City, the hour-and-a-half virtual show opens with Frederic Chopin’s Études Op.10 No.3 in E major “Farewell L’ Adieu.” This is followed by a tug at the heartstrings with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata No. 14 in C Sharp Minor, which is more popularly known as “Moonlight Sonata.” Moving to the scintillating and refined melodies of the third piece with Sergie Rachmaninoff’s Prelude op.32 No. 8 in a Minor, Prelude op.23 No.6 in E Flat Major and Prelude op.23 No.5 in G Minor.
The second half of the performance showcases Frederic Chopin’s Scherzo No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, which stirs feelings of tenderness, love and even contempt typical of the unfolding drama between lovers. Soul’s Lament (Hibik sa Diwa), by the renowned Filipino composer Francisco Buencamino, intensifies the atmosphere with feelings of yearning and emotion. Licad’s performance reaches its climax with the brilliant Ballade No. 1 in G Minor by Frederic Chopin, a piece globally considered as one of Chopin’s finest and most difficult works.
A fund-raising project
PPOSI aims to support the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra through multiple programs including concerts and events. “Amore: A Post-Valentine Hour with Cecile Licad in New York” is one of PPOSI’s fund-raising efforts to promote local talent and support the organization to be on par with other world-class orchestras. Its efforts include provision of quality instruments and uniforms, promotion of performances abroad, support for students through music scholarships and retirement funds for members.
Contact Lulu Casas (09175708301 / lgcasas@rgoc.com.ph) or Maricar Alamodin (09175384508 / esalamodin@rgoc.com.ph) to purchase tickets at P1,500.00 each or buy 10 and get 2 complimentary passes. You may also visit https://bit.ly/3I6r2Qy.
