Musical Coyiutos embark on Visayan Concert Tour

CEBU, Philippines – Expect an enchanting evening as the critically acclaimed mother-daughter musical pair—pianist Cristine Coyiuto and flutist Caitlin Alisa Coyiuto—performs inspiring music by the classical masters in their much-awaited Visayas concert tour come June 24, 26 and 28, 2009 in the cities of Bacolod, Cebu and Dumaguete, respectively.

In celebration of the bicentennial of Franz Joseph Haydn’s (1732-1809) death anniversary and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s (1809-1847) birth anniversary, Cristine’s programme will include Haydn’s whimsical Capriccio in G Major (Acht Sauschneidfer mussen sein), as well as 10 lyrical pieces from Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words.

For the second half of the programme, 14-year-old Caitlin will join her mother in Cecile Chaminade’s “Flute Concertino” and Claude Bolling’s “Suite for Flute” and “Jazz Piano Trio.” Assisting artists are Joji Magadia (bass) and Jorge San Jose (drums), both members of the FILharmoniKA.

The “Chaminade Concertino” is considered one of the most beloved pieces in the flute repertoire. Not only is it technically demanding for the flutist, it has a charming romantic theme. Flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal and pianist-composer Claude Bolling made the recording of the Bolling Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio in the 70’s and it has been considered one of the greatest musical movements of the 20th century—a fusion of jazz and classical music, and was at the top of the Billboard charts for 10 years!

Gaining positive reviews and a growing appreciation for the vitality and seeming effortlessness in playing the most challenging piano pieces, Cristine Coyiuto trained at the Julliard School and is one of the country’s leading classical pianists. Her highly acclaimed concerts have earned her the titles, “Pianists’ Pianist” and “Poetess of Piano.”

Caitlin Coyiuto, a grade 9 consistent honors student at the International School Manila, began studying flute with Marie Poblete, a member of the Peace Philharmonic Orchestra, and later with Antonio Maigue, concert soloist and professor from the University of the Philippines. Last year, Caitlin became the youngest flute student in the master classes of Vincent Lucas (Principal Flute of the Orchestra de Paris) and Davide Formisano (Principal Flute of the Teatro Alla Scala) at the Nice Conservatoire, France. She studies cello with Tess Ibero and piano with Virginia Laico Villanueva. Early this year, she attended the master class of Mathieu Dufour (Principal Flute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra) in Hong Kong. Caitlin is also a pupil of Japanese French flutist Yuko Dalancon.

The Coyiutos’ concert tour in the Visayas is their first major performance for the year, following last year’s critically acclaimed concert at the Meralco Theater. They were joined by international conductor Helen Quach and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. For the artists’ superb performance, critic Rosalinda L. Orosa heralded the SRO event as, “A Concert for All Seasons.” Orosa, in her column, wrote, “Pianist Coyiuto was the epitome of elegance, refinement, sensitivity and restraint, infusing it with the subtlest nuances. Flutist Caitlin, young though she is, brilliantly rendered, her tones full, firm, assured. Her vibrant performance was an eloquent augury of the brightest future.”

Another distinguished writer, Antonio C. Hila, also wrote: “Caitlin awed the audience with her masterful rendition of Poluenc’s Flute Sonata, orchestrated by Sir Lennox Berkeley, with arresting warm, elegant tones, perfect intonation, and articulate phrasing that unmistakably disclosed a virtuoso’s feat—both technically and musically. While Cristine, on the other hand, rhapsodized Schumann’s Piano Concerto rapturously and was in her best elements.”

Musicologist Celine V. Pil hailed this “beautiful inspiring concert where Caitlin caught the essence of Poulenc’s music, her tones mirroring elegance, gaiety, mischief, and folk tunes with hints of popular jazz rhythm. While Cristine, this evening she was a revelation, her artistry in full bloom, her tone so full and expressive, her crescendos and diminuendos so heartfelt, her virtuosity so unerringly powerful yet at times breathlessly gragile.”

Juan Antonio Lanuza wrote in his column: “Caitlin is a musician we can look forward to hearing more of in the near future and Cristine gave an exciting and emotional performance.” Pablo A. Tariman added: “Mother Cristine and daughter Caitlin played Schumann and Poulenc with masterful elan.”

Enjoy the Coyiutos’ vibrant and rich interpretations of the musical greats in their Visayan musical tour. For inquiries, please call Arts Council of Cebu at 233-0452 or Les Amis dela France at 232-1311.