Two revelations

Schumann eschews an orchestral introduction to his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in A Minor, and the eminent visiting pianist Aileen Chanco struck the opening passages with such sparkling spontaneity and dispatch she almost jolted her listeners at the Philamlife Theater.

Vibrancy, assurance, fluency and strength – the frail appearance of the petite pianist was certainly deceptive – characterized her interpretation, for which one readily conceded Chanco is no ordinary performer. She rendered the Allegro affetuoso, Allegro vivace and the finale with brio, infusing lyricism in the Intermezzo although the melodic lines could have been endowed with a more "singing" quality.

The closest rapport with the Philharmonic Orchestra under the authoritative baton of young Rodel Colmenar deepened, in no small degree, listening pleasure.

Responding to insistent clamor, Chanco played the following numbers which, added to the Concerto, virtually constituted a mini-recital: a selection from Ginastera’s Danzas Argen-tinas, Chopin’s Nocturne in C Minor and Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G Minor.

Danza’s treacherously complex, densely convoluted clusters of notes demanding mind-boggling rapidity of execution – the piece was once rendered by Nena R. Villanueva – demonstrated Chanco’s virtuosic bravura. Rachmaninoff’s Prelude, in its own fashion, was similarly a daunting challenge to her remarkable technical skill and stamina.

The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Rodel F. Colmenar, consists of conservatory graduates who, having further trained with eminent international artists, demonstrated refined yet vigorous, dynamic playing under the firm, authoritative direction of Colmenar. Saint-Saens’s Bacchanale delineated the wild frenzy leading to the death of the mighty Samson. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C eloquently conveyed the majesty and grandeur of the finale.

Early in his career, Colmenar is establishing a secure place among his peers. He draws polished tones from his instrumentalists and when needed, expressivity as well as intensity and volume which are far greater than what might be expected from his relatively small orchestra. Colmenar inspires respect from his players and admiration from his audience.

Chanco’s Manila debut was doubtless a high point in the current music season. The young cultural entrepreneur Martin Lopez has consistently proven how selective and discriminating is his choice of artists.

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At the CCP Little Theater, there was stark contrast between the endearingly timid stage entrances and exits of the young, winsome violinist Regina Buenaventura and her actual performance. The moment she started to play, her poise, complete confidence and smooth execution became immediately evident. The tones from the "Nagyvarius" were neither as lush nor as expressive as one might have wished, but this was to be expected from a young violinist who will presumably acquire greater strength and "passion" in due time.

Regina chose predominantly simple, lyrical pieces: Mendelssohn’s On Wings of Song, Drigo’s Valse Bluette (transcribed by Heifetz), the now, classic Hating Gabi by Molina, and Meditation by Col. Antonino Buenaventura, Regina’s violinist-composer-conductor grandfather from whom she must have inherited her talent and musicality as well as from the colonel’s violinist-wife Rizalina Exconde. The art songs It’s Peaceful Here by Rachmaninoff and Estrellita by Ponce completed the first part of the program.

Relaxed yet extremely focused, Regina let the melodies soar gently, allowing the music unimpeded flight. Seasoned pianist, Najib Ismail assisted Regina, leaving nothing to be desired in his sensitive accompaniment.

In Saint-Saens’s Concerto in B Minor, it was obvious that the youthful members of the Manila Symphony Orchestra II under conductor-violinist Arturo Molina need more honing of their skill and capacity for expression. Regina gave unmistakable evidence of finger dexterity and often, of fire and brilliance in the final Allegro movements, and more particularly in the encores: Kreisler’s Sicilienne and Rigaudor and Sarasate’s Introduction and Tarantelle. Clearly, an auspicious career awaits the strikingly gifted Regina. The evening’s sponsors were Standard Insurance headed by Ernesto T. Echauz, Kamayan and NCCA.