MANILA, Philippines - As part of Manila Chamber Orchestra Foundation 2011 Great Performances Series offering, the internationally well-respected Filipino pianist, judge and pedagogue, Carmencita Sipin Aspiras returns for a solo concert on Sept. 11, 6 p.m., at the Philamlife theater, United Nations Ave., Manila.
Her vast repertoire encompasses a wide range of styles and periods, including seldom played works like those of the Swiss Frank Martin, the Viennese Karl Schiske and the Philippine Lucrecia Kasilag whose work she recorded for Radio Vienna. Though eclectic in her musical attractions, she has a strong predilection for the Austro-Germanic literature.
Her numerous performances in the Philippines included an All-Rachmaninoff Recital as the first pianist presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in the Filipino Artists Series. The CCP chose her to give the Philippine premiere of Sir Michael Tippett’s Concerto with the composer conducting. Sir Tippett said of her performance, “It was of the highest quality and she struck me as a musician of great sensitivity and intelligence.” Aspiras was a much sought-after concert pianist and adjudicator in NAMCYA competitions, a role she continues to play in local competitions in the US where she and her family have been living since 1989.
The MCO Foundation is a 26-year-old non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural arts.
Aspiras will hold a masterclass on playing Mozart on Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Philamlife Theater, which is open to the public.
Tickets to the concert are at P1,000, P500 and P300. Tickets available at Ticketworld) 891-9999) and MCOF Secretariat (750-0768 or 0920-954-0053).