A harpist, a saxophonist and a violinist

What happens when three outstanding musical artists come together to perform on their instruments some of the most popular love songs that celebrate love and romance? The challenge of integrating and harmonizing their individual ability and prowess into one beautiful musical tapestry could be daunting.

But when the artists happen to be a popular violinist, a renowned saxophonist and an exceptional harpist, the program is a lasting musical experience.

Music lovers will get to relish this fabulous musical treat from John Lesaca, Tots Tolentino and Noelle Cassandra as they perform together for the first time in a grand celebration of love and romance during a dinner-concert on Feb. 14 at the Reception Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. The show will start at 9 p.m. following the 7 p.m. dinner.

Titled Love’s What Matters Most, the Valentine presentation from Grand Concerts will showcase the talents of the three instrumental artists in playing on violin, saxophone and harp a selection of some of the greatest hits in classical, pop and standard music.

Violinist John Lesaca gained renown in musical entertainment for his passion and dedication in promoting wider interest in music through his numerous shows and recordings.

He showed his early flair for music at the age of five by playing the ukelele and, later on, the violin while simultaneously playing the guitar and other instruments. After his classes at the University of the Philippines High School, he would perform classical songs on his violin as concertmaster of the UP Children’s Ensemble, while playing rock music as lead guitarist of a band in the evenings.

In the past, he was featured as guest in the local concerts of foreign artists like Noel Pointer, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Burt Bacharach, Henry Mancini and Andy Williams.

Saxophonist Tots Tolentino, on the other hand, started to play the flute at 16 under the guidance of Professor Clamor at the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music.

In the early ’80s, he took up a  jazz course while continuing studies in soprano, alto and tenor saxophone under Joseph Viola at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachussets, where he earned the degree of major in professional music (magna cum laude).

Since embarking on a solo career in 1990 through the Mild Seven Promotional Tour, Tots has launched three albums: Tots Tolentino and Inah with Vicor Records and Color Real with Dyna Recording. Two years later, he received the Gold Record Award and won the Best Instrumental Composition award for Revelation on flutist Tony Maigue’s album. Inah and Color Real won the Best Jazz Recording awards in the 1994 Awit Awards.

Noelle Cassandra, a Filipino-Chinese from Vancouver, Canada, is a classically-trained harpist who started her formal training in music when she took up harp studies at the tender age of four at the Vancouver Academy of Music. She pursued this passion through further education at the University of British Columbia where she earned the Dr. and Mrs. A.M. Bomstead Scholarship and a Bachelor of Music degree.

A musical arranger, songwriter and singer, Noelle has worked with some of the Philippines’ top artists and performers like Sharon Cuneta, Kuh Ledesma, Paolo Santos, Louie Ocampo, Martin Nievera, Tots and John.

As a sportswoman, Noelle represented British Columbia in several national tournaments, including the 2003 Canada Winter Games in singles, doubles and mixed competitions.

Using Casey as her badminton name, Noelle was the title-holder for the ladies doubles in the 2006 JVC Open Badminton Championships (elite level) and the 2006 Yonex-Sunrise Philippines National Open Badminton Tournament (open level).

 (Tickets are priced at P3,800, dinner-show and P1,500, show only, and are available at Ticketnet outlets at SM Department Stores and at Ticketworld outlets at National Bookstores, Robinsons Department Stores, Ayala Malls and Music One. For inquiries, call Ticketnet at 911-5555 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.)