The featured performers were the celebrated international pianists and music educators Ingrid Sala-Santamaria, Cebu’s unofficial ambassador of goodwill for music, and Reynaldo Reyes, a piano professor at the Towson University in Maryland.
The duo’s program consisted of six well-known compositions: Camille Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor; Frédéric Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor; Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor; Sergey Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor; and the audience’s favorites, Francisco Buencamino’s Mayon Fantasia de Concierto and Francisco Santiago’s Souvenir de Filipinas.
In the audience to witness the outstanding performances were the late chief justice’s widow, the ever-gracious Elo Fernan, accompanied by her daughters, the achiever Marissa, and leading dermatologist Memel Borromeo. Also in attendance were Ingrid’s daughters, the enterprising Kathy Escaño and the doting Cecile Santamaria, together with brother Swedish honorary consul Cheling Sala, who came with his amiable wife Susan.
Seen enjoying the classical concert were couples a joy to be with, the glam Rosebud and distinguished Choy Sala, travel expert the bubbly Marget and her gentleman of a husband Chichi Villarica, and Spanish honorary consul Jaime Picornell and his wife Cecilia. Also present were ladies of substance Annie Aboitiz and Teresin Mendezona, lover of the arts and culture Paqui Aboitiz, everyone’s dream of a committee chairwoman Elvira Luym, with daughter Kaye, go-getter Lisa Jarque, and fun-to-be-with Fr. Ernesto Javier.
The well-attended, much applauded affair ended with a brief background on the romantic period of music by Reyes, followed by an open forum that created an awareness of the importance and significance of classical music to one’s daily life.
Loyal and dedicated supporters, friends for life Sue Gray and Delia Jurado, who at times accompany Ingrid on her many concert tours, were busy taking photos and documenting the event.
Ingrid Sala-Santamaria and Reynaldo Reyes have mounted over 160 concerts in educational and community locales in nearly as many cities and towns all over the Philippines and several countries abroad.
It was truly an evening of exceptional performance at an exceptional venue. Bravo, applause, bravo!