Philippine Embassy in Stockholm Hosts Independence Day Piano Concert in Historical Church

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Isleta acknowledged the Embassy’s partnership with the NCCA in organizing the concert. (Stockholm PE photo)

HELSINKI, 06 June 2023 - Philippine Ambassador to Stockholm Maria Lumen B. Isleta, in partnership with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), hosted a piano concert entitled “Springtime Sonata: A Musical Journey with Dr. Raul Sunico, world-renowned Filipino pianist”, to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 30 May 2023 at the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)  Helsinki, Finland.

Dr. Sunico, who was formerly President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), wowed the crowd with timeless classical pieces of Chopin and Debussy as well as  much-loved Filipino classics, Kumintang and Bato sa Buhangin.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Isleta acknowledged the Embassy’s partnership with the NCCA in organizing the concert. She stated that the event was a meaningful way to commemorate the Philippine National Day that also brings along both pride, honor, and prominence to the Philippine world-class artists in Europe. 

Members of the diplomatic corps, Finnish government officials, business executives, and Filipino community leaders - attended the concert. A reception followed the 60-minute program which allowed guests to meet and greet Dr. Sunico, while also enjoying the night’s offerings of Filipino delicacies. END

Ambassadors of ASEAN in Helsinki - Thai Ambassador Chavanart Thangsumphant (leftmost), Vietnam Ambassador Phạm Thị Thanh Bìn, Malaysian Ambassador John K Samuel ) flank Dr. Sunico and Ambassador Isleta at the diplomatic reception that followed at the Church’s Parish Hall. (Stockholm PE photo)

Members of the diplomatic corps including the Ambassadors and  Deputies of Vietnam, Malaysia, Croatia, Greece, Spain Indonesia  and Czech Republic are in rapt attention as they listen to the masterful performance of Dr. Raul Sunico at the Rock Church  (Stockholm PE photo)

Honorary Consul Maria Kauppinen joins Ambassador Isleta along with members of the Filipino community in Helsinki (Stockholm PE photo)

Some of the attendees in the event together with Ambassador Isleta (Stockholm PE photo) 

For more information, https://stockholmpe.dfa.gov.ph/ .