The Filipino American community notably in the Los Angeles area never had it so good this month for having been blessed to enjoy the artistry of great Filipino artists especially this month which coincides with the celebration of Filipino American Heritage Month. What a more opportune time to showcase the natural gifts of world class ambassadors of music for people to see and enjoy in this part the world. (October was established as Filipino American History Month to acknowledge the first landing of Filipinos on October 18, 1587 in Morro Bay, California.)
For a memorable starter for this month, Ballet Philippines basked in admiration for a standing ovation performance last October 4 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to kick off a month-long U.S. tour after a 15-year hiatus since its last performance in the America.
Now comes this gathering of talented musical artists who will enthrall their crowd in the Los Angeles area with their gifts in “support struggling Christian ministers around the world”.
Leading this virtuousos of gifted performers is no other than world renowned multi-awarded pianist, Raul Sunico, whose litany of award attest to his prodigy and “unusual gifts of lyricism” in his favorite instrument.
“An Evening with Raul Sunico” will be held for one night only on October 25 at the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena.
Along with Sunico, the benefit concert will also feature a variety of brilliant performers, which include Soprano Annie Nepomuceno, the Harana Men’s Chorus, and the Soriano Strings Duet.
Raul Sunico, concert pianist: Music lovers in the Los Angeles area are in for a memorable weekend of classical music courtesy of world-renowned concert pianist, Dr. Raul Sunico, as he performs, together other gifted musicians, for a cause on October 25 at 25 at the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena. (photo courtesy of www.culturalcenter.gov.ph)
As a celebrated concert pianist, orchestral soloist andcomposer, Sunico has made the world his stage performing as a soloist in various orchestras which include Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Transylvania Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania, Szczecin Philharmonic Orchestra in Poland, Towson Community Orchestra in Maryland, USA, Taipei Symphony Orchestra, Taiwan Normal University Wind Orchestra, Tokyo Sinfonia, Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, Ho Chi Minh Symphony Orchestra, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and others.
Sunico was a silver medalist of the prestigious Viotti International Piano Competition in Vercelli, Italy; a finalist in the Busoni International Piano Competition in Bolzano, Italy; a recipient of the Henry Cowell prize in the University of Maryland International Piano Competition in the United States, and recognized one of the Philippines’ Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippine Jaycees in 1986 in the field of music.
Sunico graduated from the University of the Philippines with the degrees of Bachelor of Music (cum laude), Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Master of Statistics. He finished his Master of Music Degree from Julliard School in New York.
He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy degree, major in Piano Performance, from the New York University.
Proceeds from “An Evening with Raul Sunico” will help Christian ministers and missionaries through the JIR Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Christian workers in need.
For more information or tickets, please visit www.raulsunico.eventbrite.com or call 818 612-4500.