Thread

Classical & Opera

5 stories

Cecile Licad in white-framed glasses smiles from behind an open concert grand piano

Cecile Licad’s tones of home

A Hamburg Steinway on the Banaue Rice Terraces, paksiw every morning, and the word motorsiklo written where accelerando should be.

By Igan D'Bayan · September 21, 2025
Sopranos Anna Migallos and Myramae Meneses with bass baritone Roby Malubay posing together at the launch of Progetto Puccini

Bringing out the opera in us

Four days of masterclasses at the Metropolitan Theater: Progetto Puccini argues that opera was never foreign to a country that sings mid-sentence.

By Igan D'Bayan · September 23, 2024
Kaye Tinga, president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, standing in a black top against a textured wall with a minimalist abstract painting

Kaye Tinga: ‘The CCP is more than just a building; it is a brand, a living entity.’

‘The CCP is really more than just a building; it is a living entity that encompasses everything about art and culture in our country.’

By Igan D'Bayan · August 12, 2024
Cecile Licad, in a black gown, raises joined hands with the conductor at curtain call before the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Cecile Licad on concert memories and the loss of a soulmate

It was an emotional moment for Anton Huang when Licad dedicated the Schumann-Liszt piece to Nedy Tantoco. ‘Sad that it was actually my mom’s last concert.’

By Igan D'Bayan · March 24, 2024
German pianist Joja Wendt playing a black Steinway grand piano at the PGA Cars gallery

Steinway artist Joja Wendt plays boogie-woogie & Beethoven (with flying bumblebees in between)

The German pianist who swings from boogie-woogie to Beethoven, in Manila for Steinway & Sons’ The Artistry in Modern Precision at PGA Cars.

By Igan D'Bayan · March 11, 2023