It was a lovely evening of music a full moon ago at the Grand Ballroom of Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa. On centerstage were the Classic Youth Orchestra (CYO), the South Harp Trio (SHT), soprano Giannine Tan, musical director/professor Reynaldo Abellana and the acclaimed Cebuana concert pianist, Dr. Ingrid Sala-Santamaria. The “Thank You” concert for Cebu’s music talents was presented by TyTans Properties and Development Inc. and TyTans Leisure and Resort Inc. with chairman/chief executive officer Gerard Tan and wife Hazel (vice president-finance and creative director) on the frontline.
The opening number featured the CYO under the baton of Prof. Abellana. When piano soloist Dr. Sala-Santamaria joined the orchestra, the stage was set for a concert to remember and cherish. She gave an enthralling performance of Piano Concerto No.2, 1st Movement by Sergei Rachamainoff.
The romantic sound of harp music came next and it was from the SHT composed of Marielle Beverly Bugtai, Micah Luy and Cecile Angela Abellana. They ended with “Sa Kabukiran” (arranged by Prof. Abellana) featuring soprano Tan as soloist. With her beautiful lilting voice, Tan (accompanied by the CYO) continued with three Italian arias and the meaningful “As If We Never Said Goodbye.” She takes after her paternal grandmother Marietta Uy Tan who was a notable soprano in her time.
The musical evening concluded with the awe inspiring song, “The Prayer“ (arranged by Obette Del Rosario) sang by Tan and special guest, Fr. Charles Louis Jayme. It was a moving rendition of the well-loved song.
Before the curtains closed, Dr. Sala-Santamaria gave thanks to the musicians, the music-loving audience and the organizers who made the concert a big success. She also announced with a tinge of regret that two of the featured artists will be leaving for foreign shores: Tan to pursue the degree Masters in Fine Arts in Musical Theater at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom; and Prof. Abellana, who has been named Director for Music at the Hongkong Adventist Academy. As a final message, the accomplished Cebuana pianist and music advocate urged her fellow Cebuanos to continue their support to the music world and most especially for our homegrown music talents.