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In celebration of 107th anniversary of Philippine independence
Piano classics, bahay kubo, leron leron sinta at iba pa
Piano lovers in Dubai were treated to an excellent performance of classical piano pieces by the masters as well as Filipino folk songs arranged in a classical manner last night at a concert by the acclaimed pianist Dr Raul Sunico staged at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai. The concert, organized by the Philippine Embassy was held as part of the 107th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.
The more than two-hour concert showcased the virtuosity of Dr Sunico on the piano as he effortlessly tackled the night's programme which consisted of classical piano pieces from the masters and some Filipino folk songs. His efforts were rewarded with a standing ovation by an appreciative audience.
Philippine Ambassador Libran Cabactulan, in his introductory address to a multinational audience, explained that Dr Sunico, a dean at the University of Sto Tomas Conservatory of Music, has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Master of Statistics. Dr Sunico graduated from UP with the degree Bachelor of Music (cum laude). A scholarship from the Young Artists Foundation of the Philippines enabled him to attend the Julliard School in New York where he received a Master of Music Degree. Further grants from the Amon Foundation and the New York University helped him obtain a Doctor of Philosophy degree, major in Piano Performance.
In the first part of the programme, Dr Sunico began with a piece by Granados, Allegro de Concierto followed by the lilting Impromptu in G-flat, o[ 90 no.3 by Schubert. This was followed by masterpieces by Chopin and Debussy. In the second part, he performed two preludes by Rachmaninoff, a composition by Molina, a Filipino composer called "Malikmata," "Three Preludes," by Gershwin and an appropriate finale by Gershwin "Rhapsody in Blue." After an encore, the audience proceeded to dinner.
Dr Raul M. Sunico was praised for his unusal gifts and lyricism and poetry in his playing by his eminent mentor Sascha Gorodnitzki. He has earned international recognition as a concert pianist , orchestral soloist and a composer arranger of Philippine music.
Dr Sunico excelled in international competitions. He won the silver medal in the Viotti International Piano Competition in Vercelli, Italy; was a finalist in the Busoni International Piano competition in Bolzano, Italy. Dr Sunico was a recipient of the Henry Cowell Prize in the University of Maryland International Piano Competition. He has also bee active in the international concert scene having given solo recitals in the US, Canada, Mexico, India, Australia, Austria, Japan, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, France, Germany, Poland and Spain.
In the Philippines he was the recipient of the TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men) award for music; Prudential Award for Overseas Filipino and Organisations (Pamana); Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award (City of Manila); UP Alumni Award; Phi Kappa Phi Diamond Jubilee Award and the 2004 Aliw Award for Best Instrumental Performer.
Dr Sunico first attracted attention when he won the Manila Symphony Orchestra's Young Artist's Auditions performing the Liszt Concerto No. 1 conducted by Dr. Herbert Zipper. He later became a featured soloist of the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Transylvania Philharmonic Orchestra (Romania), Szczecin Philharmonic Orchestra (Poland), Towson Community Orchestra, Maryland USA, Taiwan Normal University Wind Orchstra, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Manila Symphony Orchestra, the Manila Chamber Orchestra, UP Symphony Orchestra and the UST Symphony Orchestra. He has recorded 30 CDs and compact discs including 13 volumes of Filipino folk songs and kundimans that he arranged for classical piano.
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