THE UST Conservatory of Music staged the 35th edition of its annual concert, “Sampung Mga Daliri,” at the Newport World Resorts Performing Arts Theater on May 3.
Over 500 homegrown talents, alumni, and faculty across several generations came together to perform in honor of the conservatory’s 80th anniversary.
In an interview with the Varsitarian, Music Dean Maria Alexandra Chua said the concert, which spotlighted 10 grand pianos onstage, sought to expose audiences to the breadth and history of Filipino music.
“We want people to enjoy the show, to be able to support musical arts, especially in the country, because it’s so difficult despite the talents that we have in music. There’s very little support we get from the government as well as from the private sector,” she said.
Kicking off the event was a rendition of “Philippine Portraits” by the late composer Redentor Romero, which blends Eastern and Western orchestrations to illustrate the country’s ethnic and regional musical diversity.
The piece was performed by 10 alumni pianists and the UST Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Assoc. Prof. Herminigildo Ranera.
It was followed by the UST String Orchestra’s interpretation of “Sa Dating Sinehan” by acclaimed composers George Canseco and Restie Umali. It was led by Arnold Josue of the Manila Symphony Orchestra.
The event also featured a medley of traditional Filipino folk songs by the UST Rondalla and UST Guitar Ensemble under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Daniel Bartolome.
Bartolome also led the UST Symphony Orchestra in a suite composed of songs by acclaimed composer Ryan Cayabyab.
Renditions of songs from Filipino pop groups SB19, BINI, and Cup of Joe were also performed at the event.
Under Ranera’s baton, the concert was capped by a compilation of famed musician Ernani Cuenco’s most popular songs alongside several patriotic compositions.
Other Thomasian performers were the UST Jazz Band, Coro Tomasino, the UST Symphony Orchestra, the Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, and the UST Wind Orchestra. John Kobe S. Balod
