Truly, a concert can bring you to Cloud Nine.
It was a rousing homecoming for world renowned pianist Albert Tiu as Singapore Airlines flew him in to headline the opening gala of the 8th Metro Manila Community Orchestra (MMCO) Season dubbed “Rach Plus 3” held at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Cebu-born Tiu received his master’s degree in Music from the Juilliard School where he studied with acclaimed classical pianist Jerome Lowenthal. He has won several major contests including the first prize in the UNISA International Competition in South Africa and the Juilliard William Petschek Award, resulting in a critically acclaimed debut recital at Lincoln Center’s Tully Hall.
Under the masterful baton of Maestro Josefino Chino Toledo with the MMCO, Miriam College’s orchestra-in-residence, the Singapore-based Filipino pianist wowed audiences with his ineffable artistry and poignant and powerful performance.
Tiu handily conquered the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30, reputedly one of the most demanding piano concertos in the classical piano repertoire. The concert also featured MMCO’s stellar renditions of Zoltan Kodaly’s Dances of Galanta, Jose Pablo Moncay’s Huapango and most notably Toledo’s original composition Kantus: Tagabawa.
Singapore Airlines’ Priority Passengers
One of the many perks of flying Singapore Airlines is getting the best experience in the air and on the ground as well. “Singapore Airlines’ relationship with its valued passengers has spanned years and crosses continents and time zones,” said Singapore Airlines GM Clinton Tan. “Their patronage has inspired us to create a better inflight experience each time. This concert is just one of the many ways we say thanks for flying with us,” added Tan.
Singapore Airlines’ Priority Passengers felt the award-winning carrier’s warmth and thoughtful attention once again as they were given the red carpet treatment at “Rach Plus 3.” These high-flying VIPs enjoyed prime complimentary seats from Singapore Airlines. They also had the opportunity to meet Tiu and Toledo at the lavish Singapore Airlines’ banquet while indulging in sumptuous Singaporean cuisine prepared by Heritage Hotel’s chef Sunny Goh.
The spread was truly a feast for the senses as Singapore Airlines’ Priority Passengers delighted in such dishes as the iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chicken and Mutton Satay, Singapore Rojak and Hokkien Mee with Prawns.
Adding to an already enchanted evening is the gracious hospitality of Singapore Airlines led by Tan and manager for marketing communications and services Rita Dy. Together with Tiu’s electrifying audacity, Toledo’s enthralling talent and free flowing flutes of sparkling wine, Singapore Airlines’ Priority Passengers definitely reveled in the high life.
(Singapore Airlines PPS Club is exclusively for passengers who frequently fly First and Business Class. For more information, call 756-8899 local 8002.)