Filipino Pianist Charms Lebanese Audiences
BEIRUT 11 October 2018 – Acclaimed Filipino pianist Dr. Raul Sunico captivated Lebanese audiences during his piano concerts at the historic St. John Marc Church in Jbail-Byblos and at the Hadat Municipal Hall in Hadat on 22 and 23 August 2018, respectively.
The piano concert series entitled “Music and Love from the Philippines” was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Beirut and National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in partnership with the local governments of Hadat and Jbail-Byblos, and College du Sacre-Coeur
During the respective concerts, Jbail-Byblos Municipality was represented by Mayor Wissam Zaarour and Hadat by Vice Mayor Ibrahim Berberi.
“This piano concert series is our gift to the municipalities of Jbail-Byblos and Hadat. We hope that this cultural project can pave the way for greater appreciation of Filipino culture and stronger people-to-people ties between Filipinos and Lebanese,” Ambassador to Beirut Bernardita Catalla said.
“I hope this project can be the start of more cultural collaborations between our municipality and the Philippine Embassy”, said Hadat Vice Mayor Ibrahim Berberi during his closing remarks.
Before an audience composed of municipal council members, diplomatic corps, business sector leaders, Filipino Community members and religious leaders, Dr. Sunico gave an impressive performance of some of the greatest works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Frederic Chopin, Maurice Ravel, Franz Lizst, Robert Schumann, and George Gershwin. He also played beloved Filipino classics such as, “Kumintang” (Filipino Love/War song) by Francisco Buencamino, “Ngayon at Kailanman” by George Canseco, and “Bato sa Buhangin” by Ernani Cuenco.
The audiences were enthralled by Dr. Sunico’s musicality and excellent rendition of classical pieces etched in his memory. Most expressed enthusiasm in seeing more cultural performances by Filipino artists.
To engage the young Lebanese musicians, Dr. Sunico also held a piano masterclass for 26 advance students of music enrolled at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) School of Music on 21 August 2018.
Also present were faculty members including Associate Dean Dr. Joseph Abi Raad, School of Music Coordinator Jad Ghanem, Mrs. Nawal Chagoury, and Dean’s assistant Mr. Claude Achkar. The workshop was the generously supported by USEK School of Music.
The workshop consisted of exchange of knowledge on music and culture, with Dr. Sunico giving a brief overview of the history, evolution and genres of Filipino music and piano masterclass, wherein seven student-volunteers played western classical music and were critiqued by Dr. Sunico.
Filled with humorous moments and interesting insights on the musical pieces and their composers, the piano masterclass proved to be an engaging exchange on selected pieces, and an opportunity for the Filipino pianist and professor to impart to the participants’ invaluable feedback on technique, musicality and performance. The session received positive and enthusiastic reactions from both students and faculty who praised Dr. Sunico’s musical skills and effective pedagogy.
In an interview with TFC's Rhys Furio, Ambassador Catalla emphasized the importance of cultural collaborations to promote understanding and goodwill with the host country. “These events are a wonderful platform to showcase the best of Filipino talent to the Lebanese,” she said.
The Embassy will extend its cultural diplomacy projects to locations outside Beirut with the help of Lebanese and Filipino partners. END
Dr. Raul Sunico holds a piano masterclass. (Beirut PE photo)
For more information, visit www.beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLebanon/.