Two stirring concerts/The amazing Betsy

Josefino “Chino” Toledo’s authority and firm grasp of the score were obvious in the Metro Manila Community Orchestra’s stirring rendition of Sibelius’ Finlandia, the Finnish people’s ardent, tumultuous cry for freedom from Russian oppression.

This cry was immediately suggested by the brass opening followed by the vigorous, zestful, spirited strings. The tender melody of the woodwind, a supplication for peace, heightened and enhanced the final quivering outburst of Finland’s ultimate triumph.

Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, with Miriam College president Patricia B. Licuanan as eloquent narrator of Lincoln’s words — culled from his speeches and letters — was still another vigorous appeal for justice and democracy. To my mind, Lincoln is America’s greatest president. Expectedly, his aspirations inspired Copland to compose an overpowering work which, thoroughly modern in its harmonies, contrapuntal and rhythmic devices, delineates Lincoln’s tremendous strength as a leader and gentleness as a person.

San Pedro’s nationalistic and exquisite Sa Mahal Kong Bayan featured the mixed choir of the Sta. Isabel College Music Guild under director Raul Navarro. Both its lyrical and dramatic qualities were conveyed through a smooth, engaging, exhilarating and polished interpretation.

Ineffable grace, resonance and richness of tonal hues — each note crystalline clear, precise, sparkling — marked Cristine Coyiuto’s brilliant performance of Beethoven’s powerful, innovative masterpiece Fantasia in C Minor, with Coyiuto’s subtle artistry drawn from her encompassing spiritual resources.

The work’s strength and architecture were vividly expressed by pianist, orchestra and choir, the joint venture culminating in mighty, rousing magnificence.

Through the years, a number of young conductors have impressed music lovers with much more than mere competence. Among these is Arturo Molina who has molded the Manila Symphony Orchestra into a cohesive, zestful, vigorous ensemble.

I arrived at the Philamlife auditorium exactly at 7 p.m. as per schedule, but the MSO was already playing the final passages of Borodin’s Polovetsian Dances from “Prince Igor” in the “Legends and Poetry” program. The culminating strains were fiery and propulsive, for indeed, nothing quite invigorates and sets the spirit on fire as Russian music.

Followed the “poetry” portion: Chopin’s Piano Concerto in E Minor. Mary Anne Espina infused it with infinite ardor, her technique controlled and masterful, her expression conveying all the charm of Chopin’s unmatched melodies.

The orchestration by no means equaled that of any of Beethoven’s concertos but Molina gave it a remarkably soulful interpretation. Uproarious applause ensued after Espina’s performance, and she responded with Schumann’s “Dedication” (Wiedmung).

Korsakov’s Scherezade was filled with vigor and brio as any other keenly perceptive conductor would have filled it and audience approbation thundered.

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It has been sometime since Betsy Westendorp’s latest exhibitions but she is still here busily fulfilling assignments and commissions. A visit to her Tuscany Apartment (along Ayala Ave.) was a most startling experience. Every nook was littered with portraits, landscapes, seascapes, sunsets, flowers, which paintings were either exquisite or awesome. I saw portraits of Alfonso Yuchengco and his late wife Titang, of the handsome young writer-son of Marybeth Lopez, Miguel Lopez de Leon.

Betsy’s landscapes were overwhelming. Herewith I quote the Spanish critic A.M. Campoy, member of the International Association of critics: “I know of no other paintings which express the Philippine eros, distant and enigmatic, almost nocturnal, like the pale glow of the moon of Luzon. Her sunsets bring to landscapes.”

Betsy spends every second painting. “It gives me immense joy,” she says. Despite her considerable stature as an artist — she has painted portraits of Madrid’s royalty and Manila’s elite — Betsy remains unassuming, gracious and approachable. Anyone can see her paintings by calling her for an appointment.