Despite the inclement weather brought by Typhoon Opong (which packed Nando-level gusts of wind), Cecile Licad’s concert at the Metropolitan Theatre in the heart of Manila offered a powerful, exhilarating escape from the gloomy day. It was my first visit to the historic Met, and entering its marble-clad halls, buzzing with anticipatory excitement, was an unforgettable experience. I knew immediately this night would be etched into my memory.
A Night That Comes Alive
From the very first note, the Metropolitan Theater seemed to come alive. Under the baton of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, every movement of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) felt charged-like the music itself was dancing in the air. The orchestra’s precision, energy, and collective artistry filled the hall with an almost tangible current, instantly pulling the audience in.
The concert opened with Rossini’s ‘Overture to L’Italiana in Algeri,’ which began quietly with plucked strings before bursting into a sudden wave of orchestral chords. An oboe then lulled us with a sweet, gentle melody, only to build again into a grand crescendo. Thanks to the Metropolitan’s superb acoustics, every sweeping note was heard in stunning clarity.
Then came Cecile Licad.
Called ‘the pianist’s pianist,’ Licad is one of the Philippines’ greatest musical treasures, celebrated not just for her virtuosity but for her ability to breathe life into complex pieces. The moment she took her place at the piano, a quiet, palpable silence fell over the hall-an anticipation that hinted at the extraordinary event to come.
The Heart of Romanticism
As the soaring notes of Chopin’s ‘Piano Concerto No. 2, op. 21, F minor’ filled the air, emotions and senses were heightened. In Licad’s hands, the piece became a deeply personal narrative. Her piano served as the primary voice, conversing with the orchestra through soaring, romantic phrases. She found the perfect balance between the music’s tender lyricism and its dramatic outbursts, leaving the audience utterly absorbed in Chopin’s world.
The concert’s second half began with Mozart’s ‘Die Zauberflöte (Magic Flute) Overture’-a piece familiar to many, even if only from the famous ‘Queen of the Night’ aria (a favorite of Barbie fans, like myself, who remember it from Fairytopia!). The light, energetic pace made everyone’s head sway along to the beat, led by Maestro Nowak’s masterful, agile baton.
Saint-Saëns’ ‘Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, op. 22’ followed, and it was impossible not to be emotionally swept away. Licad brought a powerful feeling to the opening movement, switched seamlessly to the light and playful wit of the middle movement, and delivered a blazing display of flawless technique in the final rush.
The result? Thunderous applause and hollers. A continuous string of ‘Bravo!’ and ‘Brava!’ filled the hall as the audience showed their unrestrained appreciation.
More Than Just Notes
What sets Cecile Licad apart is not just her technical brilliance, but the way she forces you to truly listen. Every note, every pause, and every delicate flourish felt deliberate-like a cinematic scene unfolding in real time. Her fingers danced effortlessly, making the most demanding passages look almost casual, as though the piano were an extension of her own will.
For me, the experience was deeply personal. I found myself recognizing selections that are usually just familiar background companions in my daily routine. But hearing them live, in Licad’s hands, was like tasting something familiar in a completely new way. Imagine the pure delight of Remy from Ratatouille when he first tried cheese and strawberry together-two ordinary things that suddenly created something extraordinary. That was the effect of Licad’s music: familiar, yet completely transformed.
The PPO, under Maestro Nowak’s masterful guidance, was the perfect partner, elevating the entire evening into a shared emotional journey across centuries of music-Rossini, Chopin, Mozart, and Saint-Saëns. That was perhaps the greatest gift of the night: the reminder that music is not meant to be passively heard but actively felt. In Licad’s hands, the piano was not just an instrument, but a brilliant storyteller.
An Encore to Remember
Just when the audience thought the evening had reached its peak, Licad added another layer of intimacy. With touching sincerity, she dedicated a Chopin piece to her dear friend, Ms. Nedy Tantoco. The melody was tender, almost fragile, wrapping the hall in a mood of quiet reflection.
But Licad wasn’t finished.
With a mischievous smile and effortless charm, she launched into Scott Joplin’s ‘Maple Leaf Rag.’ Suddenly, the entire room lit up. The playful ragtime rhythms instantly disarmed the audience, and soon the crowd was nodding, tapping, and even laughing with delight. In that moment, the formal concert hall felt more like a gathering of friends, united by the simple, universal joy of music.
That, perhaps, is Cecile Licad’s greatest gift: her ability to bridge worlds. She can perform the most demanding classical repertoire with staggering mastery, yet she also knows how to disarm her audience with warmth, humor, and joy. She reminds us that classical music is not an artifact preserved in a glass case, but a living, breathing art form-one that can move you to tears one moment and make you grin the next.
For nearly two hours, Licad, Maestro Nowak, and the PPO transported us. It was a powerful reminder of why live performances matter: no recording can truly capture the charged feeling of being in the same room as music being made. With every note, Cecile Licad proves why she is-and always will be-the pianist’s pianist.