Young virtuoso Zildjian Zachary Viray displays both maturity of control and showmanship in his dramatic performance of Prokofiev’s unconventional and highly-technical Piano Concerto No. 1 in D-flat major, Op. 10. Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO.
A historic moment unfolded at the University of the Philippines as piano keys resonated with the repertoire of 20th century composers — Filipino National Artist for Music Nicanor Abelardo, George Gershwin, Sergei Prokofiev, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Maurice Ravel, and Dmitri Shostakovich — in the university’s first 20th Century Oblation Piano Concerto Competition from July 11 to 31 in UP Diliman.
Open to pianists of any age with an affiliation to UP — students, alumni, or faculty — the competition began with an elimination round on July 11, followed by the semifinal round on July 18, both held at the UP Diliman College of Music. The final round on July 31 was a piano concerto of the three finalists, Danica Mae Antazo, Dr. Jose Miguel Aspiras, and Zildjian Zachary Viray, with the UP Symphony Orchestra.
Antazo is a CMu alumna, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance degree. She earned her degree in Master of Fine Arts in Piano Performance from Soochow University, China. Aspiras is also a CMu graduate and an alumnus of the UP Manila College of Medicine. He is a practicing physician and concert pianist. Viray is a student of the CMu Extension Program and a scholar of the college’s Gifted Young Musicians Program.
Under the baton of Prof. Emeritus Josefino Chino Toledo, UPSO musical director, Prokofiev masterpieces filled the Ignacio B. Gimenez-Kolehiyo ng Arte at Literatura Theater on finals night. Antazo and Aspiras both performed Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26, known to be an exceptionally difficult and dynamic piece that requires a very high level of technical skill from the soloist. Viray opted for the equally-demanding Piano Concerto No. 1 in D-flat major, Op. 10, considered one of Prokofiev’s aggressively unorthodox compositions that commands the pianist to showcase an excellent variety of techniques.
In an unexpected twist, the top honor was awarded to both Antazo and Aspiras, with Viray winning second place. Eli Anthony Luis, the youngest contestant at 14, was awarded a special jury prize for his outstanding semifinal performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.
In her message, Competition Director and Keyboard Department Chairperson Mita Antonia Fernandez, highlights the values of perseverance, discipline, resilience, and hard work. Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO.
CMu Dean Ma. Patricia Silvestre expressed hope for the growth of music artists, emphasizing “the values of discipline, determination, and the collaborative and contrasting exchange of relationships between the individual and the community. All these contribute to achieving harmonious excellence in piano performance that confidently represents UP.”
Prof. Mita Antonia Fernandez, competition director and CMu Keyboard Department chairperson, highlighted the rigorous process the participants underwent. “These piano concertos are very challenging and require a high level of technical skill and musical maturity. Given the right education and full support, Filipino pianists are not at a disadvantage in terms of talent.”
CMu Dean Ma. Patricia Silvestre welcomes the audience to the final night of UP’s 20th Century Oblation Piano Concerto Competition. Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO.
Prof. Mita Antonia Fernandez, competition director and CMu Keyboard Department chairperson, highlighted the rigorous process the participants underwent. “These piano concertos are very challenging and require a high level of technical skill and musical maturity. Given the right education and full support, Filipino pianists are not at a disadvantage in terms of talent.”
The competition ended with a promise that participants will keep growing and reaching new heights, with support from their parents and the UP community.
The 20th Century Oblation Piano Concerto Competition, organized by the CMu Keyboard Department in cooperation with UPSO, was envisioned as a developmental experience that supports musical growth, encourages self-reflection, and prepares young artists for the concert stage. The competition had 10 contestants, with ages spanning from 14 to 35.
From left: Dr. Abelardo Galang II, final round judge; Prof. Mita Antonia Fernandez, competition director and Keyboard Department chairperson; CMu Dean Ma. Patricia Silvestre; Zildjian Zachary Viray, second prize winner; Danica Mae Antazo and Dr. Jose Miguel Aspiras, who tied for first place; Prof. Emeritus Josefino Chino Toledo, UPSO musical director; Ma. Regina Montesclaros, final round judge; and Rica Manas-de los Angeles, final round judge. Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO.
The panel of judges for the finals were CMu alumni, Rica Manas-de los Angeles, who teaches piano at St. Scholastica’s College, and Dr. Abelardo Galang II, international concert pianist with the Manila Piano Trio; and Ma. Regina Montesclaros, one of the country’s most awarded young international pianists and an alumna of London’s Royal College of Music and Royal Academy of Music.