Cover Cecile Licad returns home with a series of concerts and public engagements until October 2025 (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
Cecile Licad returns home with a series of concerts and public engagements until October 2025 (Photo: Patrick Diokno)
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Fresh from her triumphant Carnegie Hall performance last December 2024, world-renowned pianist Cecile Licad returns home to perform in key places throughout the Philippines
Renowned worldwide as one of the greatest pianists of her generation, Cecile Licad returns to the historic Manila Metropolitan Theater for another landmark concert with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) under the baton of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak on Wednesday, September 24 at 6.30pm.
In this much-anticipated performance, Licad will bring to life the very works that cemented her place in music history. She will perform the two concertos from her acclaimed recordings with the London Philharmonic Orchestra under André Previn—Frédéric Chopin’s Concerto No. 2, which earned her the prestigious Grand Prix du Disque from the Chopin Society of Warsaw, and Camille Saint-Saëns’s Concerto No. 2.
Read more: A musical homage: the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s 40th concert season
Above The poster for Cecile Licad’s concert happening on September 24
The poster for Cecile Licad’s concert happening on September 24
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Presented by Rustan’s, The Pianist’s Pianist concert pays tribute to Filipino artistic excellence and continues the legacy of the late Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco, who tirelessly championed culture and music. Carrying her vision forward, Anton T Huang, president and CEO of Rustan’s and SSI Group, and chairman of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc (PPOSI), spearheads the initiative as a meaningful fundraiser for the PPO’s continued pursuit of excellence.
Huang shares, “Cecile Licad is not only one of the Philippines’ greatest cultural treasures but also a symbol of how Filipino artistry can inspire and elevate audiences across the world. Through this concert and our continued support of the PPO, we honour her unparalleled contributions to music while ensuring that the next generation of Filipino musicians can thrive.”
Above President and CEO of Rustan’s and SSI Group, and chairman of PPOSI Anton T Huang with Cecile Licad
President and CEO of Rustan’s and SSI Group, and chairman of PPOSI Anton T Huang with Cecile Licad
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Licad, hailed by The New Yorker as “a pianist’s pianist”, first dazzled Manila audiences at age 8 under the baton of National Artist Antonino Buenaventura, who declared: “A talent like her comes only once in 100 years.” She later made history as the first Filipina to win the coveted Leventritt Gold Medal in 1981, joining the ranks of legends such as Van Cliburn and Gary Graffman. Over the decades, she has been honoured with the Presidential Medal of Merit (1991), the Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining in the field of Music in 1994 and the Pamana ng Pilipino Award (2014).
Most recently, her December 2024 recital at Carnegie Hall earned rave reviews, with the New York Classical Review praising her performance as “less about pianistic display than about ideas and meaning”, underscoring her unique gift for combining virtuosity with profound musical insight.
Above Cecile Licad with Andre Previn album cover
Cecile Licad with Andre Previn album cover
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For her Metropolitan Theater concert, the programme will also feature Mozart’s overture to Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), K. 620 and Rossini’s overture to L’italiana in Algeri. With her extraordinary artistry and emotional depth, Licad promises an unforgettable evening celebrating the Filipino spirit and the universal language of music.
Though celebrated globally, Licad remains deeply connected to her roots, often performing outreach concerts across the Philippines. Following her Manila performance, she will embark on a nationwide series of performances, presented by various esteemed organisations, each supporting a unique cause.
Presented by Baguio Country Club for its 120th Anniversary, a by-invitational event at the Cordillera Convention Hall will also feature Licad on September 27. Following this, she will perform at the Pinto Art Museum and Arboretum in Antipolo on September 28.
Above Cecile Licad performs Saint-Saëns’s ‘Concerto No. 2’ in tribute to Rudolf Serkin
A concert will also be held at the MiraNila Heritage House and Library in Quezon City on October 1.
Finally, Licad’s series include two highly anticipated performances in Iloilo City. She will perform at Sta. Ana Parish in Molo on October 6, and at the UPV Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage on October 7. Philippine Airlines will graciously fly her to Iloilo for these engagements. She will also perform at the ECrown Hotel Ballroom in Virac, Catanduanes on October 11.
In every note she plays, Cecile Licad reminds us that the universal language of music can inspire, unite and uplift—resonating far beyond the concert hall.
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Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
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