Featuring the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) winners, the Silliman University Culture and Arts Committee (SUCAC) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines staged the concert “Gift of Music” at the Luce Auditorium last July 11-12.
The concert featured NAMCYA winners and musical prodigies from the University of Santo Tomas, namely, Jade Rubis Riccio, soprano – 2014 NAMCYA Second Prize Winner, Voice Category C & Best Interpretation of Competition Piece Award; Mhaze Danniel Lim, viola – 2015 NAMCYA Grand Prize & Special Prize Winner, Lower Strings; Andrew Constantino, clarinet – 2015 NAMCYA Grand Prize Winner, Woodwinds; and Kirk Allen Mallorca, piano – 2015 NAMCYA Honorable Mention & Special Prize Winner.
In an interview with the performers, they expressed their gratitude to be able to tour around the Philippines and share their talents.
“Nakakakaba at the same time excited kami because we get to perform and tour some provinces,” Constantino said.
Riccio on the other hand, coming from a series of shows in Germany said, “It’s easier to perfom abroad kasi naiintindihan na nila yung lyrics pero iba pa rin mag perform para sa kapwa mo Pinoy. I just have to make them understand and feel the song kahit di nila naiintindihan yung lyrics.”
When asked what they could advice to those aspiring to be musical prodigies like them, Mallorca said, “Siguro in a way, ma-obsess ka sa ginagawa mo. It’s easy to access the internet, tapos kung sabayan pa ng teacher, magiging magaling ka talaga.”
“Kung gusto mo ang isang bagay, laging may paraan. Dapat rin may commitment ka,” Lim added.
Riccio also encouraged other artists not to be afraid of switching to other genre, “Kung ako nga na nagsimula sa POP and R&B, nakaya ko mag classical so kaya rin nila.”
The next event to be offered by the SUCAC will be Enzo Medel, pianist and NAMCYA 2009 first prize winner, on July 30.
The show aimed to inspire people to further engage in creative endeavors and hone their talents to gain excellence.
