Romancing the piano

Maksim Mrvica (pronounced Maravitsa) has attained rock-superstar status as he continues to prove without doubt he is the hottest classical crossover artist today, delighting millions of fans worldwide with his modern presentation of the greatest classical pieces on the keyboard.

I have become a rabid believer after he guested on Private Conversations With Boy Abunda a few months back.

Local music lovers will be treated to the trademark Maksim piano wizardry – bringing together classical music and pop styling – as he performs in a much-awaited concert tomorrow at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City.

Billed as Maksim Asian Tour 2004 Live in Manila!, the performance is the third leg of a seven-nation Asian swing that kicked off last April 15 in Seoul and will end May 2 in Hong Kong. Other shows in the 18-day tour will be held in Taiwan, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Jakarta.

Maksim Asian Tour 2004 Live in Manila! reunites the 28-year-old Croatian piano sensation with Filipino fans, whom he first captivated with his musical genius during his first Philippine promo tour late last year at Greenbelt 3 Park in Makati. During that debut appearance, he delighted audiences with an inspiring rendition of seven classical pieces from his 13-track debut album, The Piano Player.

His superb performance of singles like The Flight of the Bumble Bee and Exodus, and pieces like Cubana and The Croatian Rhapsody gave the audience compelling proof of how fun and funky classical music can be under the hands of a master like Maksim. He is, indeed the latest buzzword in the world of music.

Maksim’s phenomenal success as classical artist is deeply-rooted in his passionate belief in attracting young audiences to classical music. As a trailblazing artist in a timeless musical genre, he applies a lot of drama in his performances through the creative use of modern techniques and gadgets such as video screens, lighting and laser lights.

Born in 1975 in Sibanik, a town on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, Maksim began piano lessons at nine and gave his first public performance the same year. When the Kosovo war broke out when he was 15, he continued studies at the basement of the school as thousands of bombs exploded daily above his head.

He joined piano competitions and won numerous awards, including first prize in the Nicolai Rubinstein International Piano Competition in 1999 and the Pantoise Piano Competition in Paris in 2001.

Upon his return to his native Croatia, he found himself at the center of intense media attention and the subject of frequent television appearances and interviews. This was followed by the recording of Gestures, his disc of contemporary Croatian piano pieces, which become one of the fastest-selling recordings to be released in Croatia and won four Porin (Croatian Grammies), including one for Best Classical Album.

Maksim was soon discovered by Mel Bush, the man behind Vanessa Mae and Bond, who had spent many years searching for a pianist with the ability and versatility to perform something quite extraordinary.

To highlight his visit to the country, EMI Philippines has released a Special Tour Edition CD which features the remixed versions of The Flight of the Bumble Bee and Sarabanbande, plus six videos and a photo gallery.

Child-Centered P.L.A.Y.

Education is the best gift we can give our children. I find fulfillment in seeing my niece trying her best to finish school and I am looking forward to giving my four-year-old nephew Jake his first taste of formal educatiaon.

Located a few steps away from Powerplant is a pre-school that provides exceptional education and genuine care called Progressive Learning for Active Youngsters or P.L.A.Y.

P.L.A.Y. is based on the progressive approach in early childhood education. It is child-centered and provides activities that cater to each child’s age, developmental level, socio-cultural background and individual preferences and interests. The school’s curriculum is holistically designed to enrich the child’s physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development. All subject matters are integrated and structured around a monthly theme presented in the different learning centers.

P.L.A.Y. believes that a child learns best when he or she is actively involved in the environment through play. It also believes a child’s learning is highly enhanced by the teacher’s guidance through developmentally-appropriate practices and that a child’s growth is enriched by a committed collaboration between the home and school.

At P.L.A.Y., a child’s individuality is respected and each is allowed to develop at his or her own pace. P.L.A.Y. recognizes that the child is an active thinker and creative problem-solver who constructs his or her knowledge by exploring the environment – a lifelong learner who continuously seeks self-advancement.

P.L.A.Y. helps students become independent and confident, develop their creativity and have a positive image of themselves. It also helps each child acquire critical thinking skills and become considerate and respectful.

Among the programs offered at P.L.A.Y. are the Toddler Program, Nursery Program, Kinder Program, Daycare Activity Program, Tutorial Enrichment Program and Summer Program (for April and May). Those interested, may call 895-8421 or 0917-8316979 (look for Teacher Ann Arellano) or visit P.L.A.Y. at 6241 Palma St. corner Mañalac St., Brgy. Poblacion (near Ateneo Business and Law School).