20 November 2014 – The San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, presented on October 26 “Raul Sunico at the Piano: Up Close and Personal”, a benefit concert in support of the Committee’s rebuilding projects in the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan.

Dr. Raul Sunico, a world-renowned and internationally acclaimed concert pianist, orchestral soloist and composer, performed twelve pieces, including compositions by Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Chopin and Filipino composers Nicanor Abelardo and Ernani Cuenco. His rousing performance was met with standing ovations, prompting him to perform two encores of medleys of “The Phantom of the Opera” and Filipino folk songs that he arranged.

The San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee (SFMSCC) was founded in April 1961, and is part of the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco. It is mandated to serve as the cultural and economic link between San Francisco and Manila. 

Last February 16 to 22, the Committee and the Philippine Consulate General organized the “Mabuhay Manila: Business, Cultural and Rebuilding Mission” led by San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee.  The mission “successfully renewed the economic and cultural ties between San Francisco and Manila, and added a new pillar of cooperation – rebuilding and disaster mitigation.”

The concert was also a tribute to various community organizations and individuals who raised funds and pursued rebuilding projects in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan.

The event was preceded by a champagne reception and attended by the officers of the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee, representatives from the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco, the diplomatic corps and friends and guests of the Committee and the Consulate General. END