Three's a Wow!

CEBU, Philippines - It’s definitely not a usual venue for such a gathering. It’s almost an odd place to be regaled with music. But knowing the premium the sterling car maker BMW puts on the realization of a dream, especially when it comes to owning one of their vehicles, the prestigious showroom makes perfect sense.

The three musicians – young maestros as one may call them – Joseph Esmilla on violin, Rudolf Golez on piano and Victor Coo on cello – who make up the Trio Con Brio, performed no less than to give the senses utmost pleasure at the Prestige Cars BMW Headquarters along Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City.

A recent installment of the extraordinary BMW Cultural Concert Series, held usually in the Alabang area, but this time was transported to the country’s business and cultural center, the performance was a showcase not only of talent, but of passion, vibrant and vibrating, with every note that somersaulted towards the ear – and somersaults is really the apt word here that I can think of for what we experienced that night – was the acoustic acrobatics of three music makers who knew their craft deeply.

And this we discovered whether they were performing Paul Schoenfields “Café Music” with lightness that induced the subdued tapping of the feet among those watching, or Astor Piazzolla’s syrupy Soledad which in its slowness and masterful restraint was ironically rife with energy, or Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Opus 49 which was executed with much fire. All three musical artists performed brilliantly.

A pure delight from start to finish, the enriching event was ably organized by philanthropist Vicky Zubiri, President and the moving spirit of Filfest which sponsored the affair. She gave the opening remarks while Asian Carmakers Associations officer Jun Cajayon welcomed the audience present. Lina Rocha, the Corporate Secretary of Filfest served as the evening’s emcee.

Among those in attendance included the Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Philippines and avid bird lover Robert Brinks, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Menache Bar-On, former Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James, Antonio Lagdameo, acclaimed painter Betsy Westendorp, art critic Rosalinda Orosa, Elena Colome, Conchitina Bernardo, Chloe Periquet, Bambi Harper, Benjie Aragon, Krip Yuson and Nes Jardin.

There is no doubt that I shall eagerly awaiting not only the next part of the BMW Cultural Concert Series, but also the next performance of the Trio Con Brio. (FREEMAN)