Music to My Ears

Ambassador Herbert D. Jess is taking his role as "impresario" with considerable enthusiasm and earnestness. With paintings of German landscapes by Manuel D. Baldemor still hanging in Mr. Jess’s living room, he embarked on his third cultural project–the presentation of Ingrid Sala Sta. Maria, one of our eminent pianists, and the fast-rising Jonathan Arevalo Coo, in a piano duo concert. (Ingrid is as beautiful as she is talented; consequently, one derives dual pleasure as one listens and looks at her in action.)

Ingrid and Jonathan played Beethoven’s "Emperor" Concerto and Schumann’s Concerto in A Minor, Ingrid making a tremendous impression with her steely strength, stamina and skill; Jonathan giving her remarkable "orchestral" support though his previous participation in a piano trio recital had left him little time to learn the scores of the two concertos. (Please see my review in the daily.)

Ambassador Jess charmed the select audience with his prefatory remarks as his wife Micheline stood by smiling approvingly. Guests included Sen. Jun Magsaysay, ambassadors from Russia, Austria, Portugal and their respective ladies, USec. Art and Joy Valdez–she is the mayor of Bacolod‚ Msgr. Guillermo Gaston, Maricar Salas, Ramon Ilusorio, Tony and Mita Rufino, Tess Choa, Helen O. del Rosario, Isabel Wilson, Jaime Picornell and Fred Mendoza.

Guests were still "gushing" over the duo concert at the ensuing cocktails.

Our legendary former prodigy and first internationally acclaimed pianist Nena R. Villanueva gave a preview of what she played on May 14 in Paris at the Musee de L’Armee during the Invalides Saison Culturelle: Schumann’s 21-piece Carnaval, Chopin’s Impromptu No. 2, Ravel’s Ondine and Listz’s Transcendental Etude which is indeed "transcendental". Nena’s Dasmariñas Village walking group of music cognoscenti for whom she had gracioulsy given the preview at the residence of Dr. Meding Suntay, were awed by her performance. There’s every reason to assume Parisians were likewise awed.

The June 7 benefit concert "For the Love of St. Anthony" will feature the brilliant Vienna-based opera singer Camille Lopez and leading tenor Nolyn Cabahug, the latter a guest performer along with the Coro de San Antonio and The Seedlings. The program at the San Antonio Church will consist of arias from Tanhauser, Carmen, Traviata, Cavalleria Rusticana, and Spanish and Tagalog songs. The PPO, which will play two works, will assist the singers under the baton of Ruggero Barbieri.

Fr. Antonio Ma. Rosales, the amiable parish priest who is named after San Antonio is deeply gratified with the zeal of the Parish Fiesta Committee chairman Justa K. Tantoco and committee members Lita Ascalon, Petrona Lim, Peachy Maramba, Carrie Bautista, Randy Limjoco, Karen and Genevieve Macasaet, Elisa Bengzon, Henrietta Santos, Tessie Fernandez, Babing Abella, Tony Adriano, Jun Alvendia, Mons Tantoco and Kristine Morada.

Their efforts will be worthy of the glorious voices of Camille and Nolyn who will be singing for love of San Antonio.