CEBU, Philippines - Della Gamboa Besa and Anamaria Gregorio de Guzman will be holding a Duo-Piano concert to raise funds for the renovation of the “Home for the Blind” at Kinasang-an, Pardo.
The artists first met as music students at St. Scholastica’s College, Manila. In 1973, they linked up to perform Foulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos at the school’s annual St. Cecilia’s Concert, thus beginning a partnership that has lasted to the present. During this period, they are credited with many first performances in the Philippines of pieces from the duo-piano repertoire, including several specially arranged or written for them. They have given concerts in every important venue in Metro Manila, in major cities throughout the country and abroad, in San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, New York and New Jersey.
Both artists successfully combine an active concert career with marriage, family, and other interests. Annie was deeply involved in civic work through the Philippine Jaycees, where she pioneered women’s participation in the organization. She served as its Executive Vice President and was the first lady President of the Asia Pacific Jaycee Senate. Della served as Assistant Dean of the School of Music at St. Scholastica’s College until she joined the Cultural Center of the Philippines as Director for Musical Arts, eventually heading the Performing Arts Department. Until 2008, she was Artistic Director of the International Bamboo Organ Festival of Las Piñas.