CECILE LICAD AT THE MET: A Women’s Month Concert

PRESENTED BY:

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts,

the Cultural Center of the Philippines,

the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc.,

and the Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda

DATE/ TIME/ VENUE:

March 19,2024 | 7:00 PM

CCP @ The Metropolitan Theater

Padre Burgos Ave., Ermita, Manila

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for an evening of classical music with Cecile Licad at the Met! In celebration of National Women’s Month, internationally-acclaimed pianist Cecile Licad will be performing at the Metropolitan Theater with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak. This special concert features the timeless works of two musical masters: Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 Op. 73 in D Major, and Peter Illich Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 Op. 23 in B-flat minor.

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of musical excellence at the historic Metropolitan Theater.

TICKET INFORMATION:

By Invitation

ABOUT THE SOLOIST

CECILE LICAD, piano

CECILE LICAD

Cecile Licad, a distinguished pianist hailed by the New Yorker as “a pianist’s pianist,” has left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. At just 12 years old, Licad made history as one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious Leventritt Gold Medal, joining the ranks of piano legends like Van Cliburn. Notably, her recording of Chopin No. 2 with conductor Andre Previn and the London Philharmonic earned her the Grand Prix Du Disque from the Chopin Society of Warsaw, marking a groundbreaking achievement for Filipino musicians. Licad has graced the stages of esteemed orchestras worldwide, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and London Symphony Orchestra, showcasing her exceptional talent and versatility. A recipient of numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Merit and the Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining, Licad continues to inspire audiences with her remarkable performances and unwavering dedication to her craft.

ABOUT THE PHILIPPINE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA:

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra is the country’s leading orchestra. It was established in 1973 as the CCP Philharmonic Orchestra, which was originally intended to accompany performing artists at the CCP Main Theater. In 1979, it was reorganized through the efforts of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos together with Maestro Oscar C.  Yatco. The PPO has since collaborated with renowned Filipino and foreign artists either as soloists or conductors. It continues to promote music appreciation among Filipinos through its regional outreach concerts and workshops. The PPO is now headed by its new Music Director and Principal Conductor, Maestro Grzegorz Nowak. Coinciding with its 39th concert season, the PPO is also celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

ABOUT THE CONDUCTOR:

GRZEGORZ NOWAK

Music Director and Principal Conductor

GRZEGORZ NOWAK
Music Director and Principal Conductor

Renowned Polish conductor Grzegorz Nowak, the new Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, brings a wealth of experience from his roles, including Permanent Associate Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. Formerly the music director of the Polish National Opera in Warsaw (2017-2020) and conductor for orchestras across Poland, Germany, Switzerland, and the USA, Maestro Nowak’s international acclaim is underscored by over 80 award-winning and 5-star-rated CDs featuring orchestral music. His illustrious career, propelled by prestigious awards and performances alongside world-class soloists and singers, marks him as a sought-after and distinguished figure in the classical music realm.

DIOMEDES SARAZA, JR.

Violin

Born in the Philippines, Mr. Saraza started playing the violin at the age of 3 with his father. His formal training started in St. Scholastica’s College Manila under the PREDIS program under Virna Valerio,

DIOMEDES SARAZA, JR.
Violin

Basilio Manalo, and Arturo Molina. Mr. Saraza received both his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School. Granted a full scholarship in the prestigious institution, he studied with Stephen Clapp, Lewis Kaplan and Joseph Lin. There, he was the recipient of the Irene Diamond Graduate Fellowship, Ruth Katzman Scholarship, Juilliard Alumni scholarship and the C.V. Starr Scholarship. He was also accepted as a full scholar in Yale University to pursue a Master of Musical Arts degree under the tutelage of Prof. Hyo Kang. During his time in Yale, he received two prestigious awards from the school which is the Brodus Erle Prize 2016 and the Alumni Association Prize 2017. Outside music, Mr. Saraza was a recipient of President Obama’s Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for academic excellence.

Since winning first place at the National Music Competitions for Young Artists in 2002, Mr. Saraza has been concertizing and giving solo recitals at the age of 12. He has won first place in international competitions most notably is New York’s Friday-Woodmere Young Artist Competition and Associated Music Teacher’s League Competition. Mr. Saraza was accepted at the Perlman Music Program, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, and Bowdoin International Music Festival.

He performed solo internationally with different orchestras such as the Mannes Orchestra, New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble, the Sichuan Philharmonic Orchestra to name a few. In 2016, he had a successful Carnegie Hall solo debut with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr.  Saraza’s extensive solo and chamber performances include prestigious venues that span from Philippines’ Cultural Center of the Philippines, New York’s Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, to Russia’s Tchaikovsky’s Concert Hall among others.

Mr. Saraza was the former concertmaster of the Manila Symphony Orchestra. He is also an active concert violinist, chamber musician, and avid educator. He has been a member of Sejong Soloists and had concert tours in Korea, Macau and Russia. His students have been accepted in international conservatories such as The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Hanns Eisler University Berlin, Yale University and Cleveland State University.

Currently, he is on a US tour with Steinway artist and FilAm Music Foundation founder Mr. Victor Asuncion.

*Dio plays on a 1972 French violin by Eugene Guinot and Renè Morel given by Standard Insurance Inc.