UST partners with EU to celebrate culture

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The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) and the European Union celebrate culture through “Hemispheres: A European Cultural Symposium,” a series of talks and performances on Feb. 15. (Photo by Hazel Grace S. Posadas/The Varsitarian)

MUSIC and dance became platforms for cultural exchange in “Hemispheres: A European Cultural Symposium,” a series of talks and performances organized by the European Union and the Office of Public Affairs (OPA), last Feb. 15.

Swedish classical violinists Jeanette Kamphuis and Stefan Randehed, along with concert cellist and professor Renato Lucas, a faculty member of the Conservatory, discussed expression given through the performance of classical music.

“Where there is a beating heart, there is emotion… as long as we have that, then we have [something] that calls on to be expressed,” remarked Kamphuis.

Speakers for music included Spanish flamenco guitarist Alejandro Alcaraz and Filipino percussionist Jean Paul Zialcita, who mounted a lively, interactive performance of Flamenco music and rhythms from Spain.

Talks devoted to dance featured Flamenco dancer Ma. Emma Estrada, ballet instructor Cherish Garcia and thespian Raflesia Chiarra Bravo, who also gave well-received performances for their respective art fields.

Several home-grown groups from the University, like the Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the UST Guitar Octet, served the audience and speakers with delightful short performances in between the scheduled talks.

Franz Jessen, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, said: “It was very good to see people from different parts of the world meeting here, exchanging orientations and working together through the arts,” Jessen said in an interview with the Varsitarian.

Themed “EU – PH Beat: Harmonising Notes and Rhythm,” the symposium was held at the Dr. George S.K. Ty Hall of the Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes O.P. Building.

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