Andrei Ave, 6, awes DV crowd / GSIS Museum's last concert

November must be the month for pianistic wonders. First, Cristine Coyiuto encapsulated coveted qualities to prove her the pianists’ pianist in her concert at F. Santiago Hall. Second, 16-year-old Arianna Abello Korting, who studied the piano at three and made her debut at seven as soloist with orchestra, revealed her phenomenal gifts at an invitational recital in St. Cecilia’s Hall.

Then, last Nov. 26 at the Dasmariñas Village Park Pavilion, six-year-old prodigy Andrei Ave played the first movement of a Haydn Concerto with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under Rodel Colmenar.

As Andrei performed, he kept swinging his legs too short for the pedals to begin with — while often looking at the audience as he waited for his intermittent cues. Yet, he never missed a note! He had perfect rapport with the orchestra, demonstrating proper dynamics, as his fingers ran nimbly over the keys. Despite the thunderous applause and shouts of appreciation, he forgot to take a bow, going speedily to his seat in the hall. During intermission, he again awed listeners with a Mozart piece. If he persists, he will be winning prizes in international competitions.

It was the seventh concert presented by the DV Board of Governors for the residents who came with children and infants cradled in their mothers’ arms.

A dynamic Colmenar wielded the baton over Alfred Reed’s “Festival Overture”. Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Little Night Music) came next. For an infinitely varied, perfectly structured piece, charming, delicate and buoyant, its interpretation could have been more sensitively nuanced.

The incomparable soprano Rachelle Gerodias sang Juliet’s lilting arietta Je Vieux Vivre from Gounod’s opera “Romeo and Juliet.” Her throbbing, superbly controlled volume increased or decreased in one breath as she eloquently conveyed Juliet’s ecstatic joy in the ballroom scene, her unwavering, rounded voice soaring.

In the Broadway (?) song “Light of a Million Mornings”, Gerodias was just as full-throated but the orchestra, often too loud, overpowered her occasionally. In the end note, however, her voice reigned supreme.

Listeners, clamoring for an encore, were rewarded with Ang Mutya ng Pasig, Gerodias’ glorious tribute to composer Abelardo.

The MPO violinists, six young girls and a boy, played with fascinating precision and expression. The Broadway selections proved Colmenar’s versatility, his brisk and vibrant interpretation generating an infectious git-up-and-go spirit. The rapturous applause elicited another Christmas number.

It was Colmenar’s seventh engagement at the annual DV Park Pavilion concert, and judging by audience response, he will return again and again. DV Association president Vicki C. delos Reyes delivered the welcome remarks.

Being a loyal DV resident (since 1972), I felt bound to attend the concert although other performances beckoned: “Dragon Tales” at PETA Theater in QC featuring a Singaporean Group so heartily endorsed by my friend Dick Malay. It was described as a “must-see for those who want to be exposed to a new musical about Asian values.”

A third invitation was to “Pot-Pourri,” a two-day art exhibit of Ivi Avellana Cosio followed by “Opera Night” with five tenors and sopranos at Rico Renzo Gallery.

The GSIS Museum, the first among museums to present a concert series, offered its last concert with Mary Anne Espina playing “Carnival Scenes,” then a five-movement piece and a Fantasie for encore, all by Schumann. A UST summa cum laude graduate, Espina is a much sought-after assisting artist. She rendered the Schumann works with considerable brio.

Jonathan Coo received a plaque of appreciation from GSIS’ Andres V. Palad for his dedicated promotion of GSIS’ cultural programs. Concert coordinator Minerva Tanseco had, among her guests, Benito Legarda, Amado Castro, Maurice Lim, Letty J. Lopez, Alice Briones, Sr., Anunciata, Evelyn R. Garcia, Cristina Belton, Bert and Nona Basilio and Lulu Castañeda.