AFTER multiple wins in the 50th edition of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), the UST Conservatory of Music held a tribute concert to the victorious Thomasians on Jan. 30 at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium.
Six Thomasian musicians played their title-clinching pieces in the concert.
In an interview with the Varsitarian, Asst. Prof. Arnold Josue, coordinator of the Department of Symphonic Instruments and Jazz, said the event was an opportunity for Thomasians to witness the efforts of the Conservatory students.
“By giving a platform for the winners to showcase their winning performances, I hope to create a tradition where we can feature our students and their hard work,” said Josue, who organized the concert.
Opening the concert was Justin Vincent Talusan, who won honorable mention in the lower strings category of the NAMCYA. He performed of “Variations on One String, Mosé Fantasia” by Niccolo Paganini.
Ghio Esteban, who also won an honorable mention in the violin competition, played “Danse Espagnole” by Manuel de Falla.
Clartrome Jacalan, who placed third in the cello category, played “Kol Nidrei” by Max Bruch, while Rei Francia, who was second in the contrabass category, played “Iyo Kailan Pa Man” by Angel Peña.
UST Conservatory alumna and former Symphony Orchestra member Cyrel Lobarbio followed with a performance of “Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan?” by George Canseco. She bagged the third prize in the bassoon competition at the 50th NAMCYA.
Victor Jan Luigi Torres, one of the three Thomasian musicians who won first prize in the tilt, capped the concert with his performance of Violin Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 16 by Sergei Prokofiev.
“I am proud to perform in front of the Thomasian community because it’s UST that guided me to reach wherever I am at right now,” he told the Varsitarian.
Torres, a senior at the UST Conservatory, said his performance was a form of gratitude to his peers and professors for their continued support.
“Each one of us helps each other to be better, and I think that’s a big factor in influencing me,” he said.
NAMCYA has been the country’s most prestigious competition for young musicians since its inception in 1973.
A total of 12 Thomasian musicians won awards in the 50th NAMCYA, which was held at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila last Nov. 21 to 26.
