An evening of romantic German music

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Philippines, Herbert D. Jess, and his gracious wife Michelin, have traveled the world together, touched other people’s lives, and fostered endearing friendships along the way.

They have likewise learned to appreciate the uniqueness of each country they visit by experiencing its varied arts, culture and traditions. Recently, they shared their own heritage with the Filipinos through music.

The amiable couple played hosts at their residence in Forbes Park to an intimate evening of chamber music of German concertos.

The featured performers were the celebrated international pianist and Cebu’s unofficial ambassador of goodwill for music and the city’s pride and joy, Ingrid Sala Santamaria, and young piano pedagogue Jonathan Coo.

The duo’s program consisted of two well-known and dearly loved German compositions: Beethoven’s classic Piano Concerto No. 5 "The Emperor" in E-Flat Major, Op. 73, and Schumann’s romantic Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54.

Ingrid played "The Emperor," the grandest and most spectacular of all piano concertos, like no one else can, as this piece has remained a sentimental favorite of the artist. It was her debut piece as a concert pianist in 1962, accompanied by the then National Philharmonic Orchestra. Jonathan, on the second piano, excelled magnificently as the collaborating pianist.

The diplomatic corps came in full force. Venezuelan Ambassador Millena Ramirez and the former Philippine envoy to Spain Ambassador Isabel Caro Wilson shared a lively table with Honorary Consul of Monaco Fortune Ledesma and Helen Orosa del Rosario. Seen in animated conversation were former Senator Leticia Shahani, Austrian Ambassador Cristian Krepela and Ramon Batungbakal.

Lady of substance, the ever-dignified Beth Day Romulo had nothing but praises for both performers. Clearly in awe were Senator Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. and German Embassy deputy head of mission Roland Grafe.

Ingrid’s two beautiful daughters, Crispy and Kathy, once Manila’s most sought after models some years back, were present to applaud their mom. Accompanying them were their husbands, Arsenic Laurel and Thirdy Escaño.

From Cebu came brother Cheling Sala and wife Susan, president of the Salvador and Pilar Sala Foundation, their daughter Carina, good friend Sue Gray and writer Delia Jurado.

It was an evening of exceptional performance at an exceptional venue. Applause, bravo, applause.