Empowering the next-gen musicians
In 2022, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) sponsored two talented music students for a four-year study- abroad program, sending them to the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. Among them was Lizzie Bett Estrada, an incoming third-year student studying voice as a soprano, and Aidan Ezra Baracol, an incoming sophomore focusing on piano. These promising young musicians represent the future of Filipino talent on the international stage, with the hopes of becoming world-renowned artists nurtured by the support of the CCP.
Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with Lizzie Bett and Aidan during their time in London to see how they are faring in their musical pursuits. It is inspiring to witness the dedication and passion these students have for their craft, as they strive to hone their skills and make a mark in the global music scene. With the CCP’s backing and their own hard work, we can anticipate a new generation of exceptional musicians emerging from the CCP, carrying on the legacy of excellence and artistry for years to come.
During our time together, I inquired about their thoughts and experiences regarding the school and life in London.
Why did you choose to study at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM)?
LIZZIE BETT ESTRADA: I had two masterclasses with my current teacher, Prof. Susan Waters, before the audition period for UK Music conservatoires. This was during COVID-19 so everything was done online. But even so, I felt excited and nervous having been taught by her during those masterclasses. My teachers in the Philippines, Ms. Camille and Sir Pablo Molina, had been telling me about how it would be advantageous to study abroad and I thought there’s nothing to lose if I do audition. At that time, Susan was teaching at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama(GSMD), and also just started to teach at the RAM. These are the two conservatoires I applied for in the UK, having in mind that I wanted to study with Susan. I was granted a full-tuition scholarship at RAM and a half-tuition scholarship at GSMD. It is quite expensive to study in London so it was most sensible for me to choose RAM.
AIDAN EZRA BARACOL: It had been an aspiration of mine to become accepted into a prestigious university, such as the Royal Academy of Music. The academy had been a creative sanctuary for innumerable musicians now already well-recognized in their musical enterprise, witnessed the artistic journey of performers and composers in an environment and culture active and constantly thriving. Gaining invaluable knowledge from esteemed mentors and being surrounded by aspiring young musicians who share the same ambition would be a momentous aspect of this realization.
As you enter your second year, what’s your best experience so far?
LIZZIE: I entered second year feeling really happy and proud knowing that I’ll be representing RAM at a prestigious bursary competition, the Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary for Young Singers, which I was looking forward to when I was in first year. A lot of good opportunities have come after winning that competition but I must say that the competition itself was still the best experience so far, as it was life changing for me as a performer and artist. Having this talk with Susan about how being down-to-earth is in our culture and making me think to whom and why do I sing has made me change and grow during that competition. Both semi-finals and finals were done in one day, and I was just really excited to perform and share with people how much I love to sing. I asked guidance from God and calmed myself from all the nervousness and excitement. It felt so freeing to see and feel them watching me so dearly and seeing in their faces that they were enjoying the moment. It was a bonus as well knowing that my loved ones in the Philippines were able to watch through online even though it was already 2 a.m. in their time zone.
AIDAN: My lessons with Joanna were one thing I looked forward to every week. I could only be filled with awe and wonderment at every insight from her into the magic of music. Watching public masterclasses and concerts from the school is another aspect I thoroughly enjoyed. Being sensible of the different interpretations of the same music is an enlightening experience.
What did you learn from your school mentors?
LIZZIE: On the technical side, Susan, my mentor, has been really patient in teaching me vocal techniques and diction. Having secured vocal foundation has given me so much confidence in my voice. This way I can freely say and feel the message of the songs I’m singing. When you look comfortable and enjoy yourself onstage, then the audience will, too.
AIDAN: If there is one thing I learned from my mentors and that I would bring with me throughout my musical pilgrimage, it is that a piece of music can never be perfected, only realized with fresh accounts in different stages of one’s life — an insight I hold with at least at present. Artistic maturity comes with a willingness to let go, to make music and to succumb to it, to create and recreate one’s experiences. My mentors have taught me to discover something new each time I encounter the musical score and that the idea of a performance being “perfect” can never be achieved, only pursued.
What do you hope to achieve?
LIZZIE: Firstly, I would love be a part of an opera production, maybe as part of the chorus as a starting point. My passion for opera grows stronger as I keep learning new arias and watch opera productions at Glyndebourne, Royal Opera House, and English National Opera. I would also love to do lots of recitals/concerts, sharing my love for German and French songs, and also our kundiman and folk songs. I also dream to audition and take engagements anywhere in Germany.
AIDAN: For the following year, I wish to participate in competitions within the UK. I believe this will advance my skills and overall sensibilities as a musician. Moreover, it would be a valuable source of exposure and establishing connections with others. Equally, I intend to perform more within and outside the academy, in intimate or large settings. Aside from these, I would like to broaden my knowledge of composition in the hope of performing one someday.
How has CCP helped you?
LIZZIE: CCP has helped me in feeling secure and supported throughout the first two years of my studies. They’re always easy to reach out to, especially, you, Ma'am, which I really appreciated a lot. Without your help I wouldn’t have been able to study without constant worrying about my financial situation.
AIDAN: The CCP has helped me in numerous aspects of my first stages of college life. It has helped me realize new opportunities I might otherwise not have had. Through the CCP, I can study at one of the most esteemed schools in the world, establish new connections, open myself up to different cultures and people, and delve deeper into the thriving world of music. The CCP has and will always be an invaluable aspect of bringing that to fruition.
What are your challenges studying in London? And do you love staying in London?
LIZZIE: I believe one of the things that helped me survive in London is having grit. My parents have taught me to have determination in life while Ms. Camille and Sir Pablo have raised me to have grit as an artist. London is such a diverse city with people full of talent and it was so easy to get intimidated and to feel like you don’t belong. But whenever I get discouraged, Susan would remind me sometimes that I didn’t fly 6,000 miles just to get discouraged by things or people around me or even by my own thoughts. Nevertheless, London is such a wonderful city to explore! I quite enjoy going to parks and free museums.
AIDAN: It is an absolute honor to study in London. At first, it took a bit of time for me to adjust to the system — the sessions and teaching methods seemed slightly fast for me to follow, and the curriculum felt quite advanced. In due time, however, I was gradually able to accustom myself to it by constant practice, seeking guidance from others, and learning collectively. I was surrounded by musicians eager to help. My experiences were a delight, and being in a place where history, music and art continue to thrive is a strand of creative life from which it will never cease to inspire.
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In addition to the two undergraduate students studying in London, there are two finishing their two-year post-graduate studies in North America: Adrian Nicolas Ong and Mark Kenedy Rocas.
Having had the opportunity to perform twice at Carnegie Hall in New York, Adrian is pursuing an artist diploma in violin at the Royal Conservatory of Music of the Glenn Gould School in Toronto.
I happened to meet his mother on a PAL flight from Davao and she mentioned that her son was a guest violinist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. From that chance encounter, Adrian was invited to audition for the scholarship subsidy.
He will be performing this August at the Moritzburg Festival in Germany.
The fourth scholar, Mark Kenedy Rocas, is pursuing the final year of his master’s degree in flute performance at Longy School of Music of Bard College in Massachusetts. He is an exceptional flutist. All four will be performing at the Young People’s Concert on Saturday, July 27.
It is noteworthy to mention that all CCP scholars are graduates of Philippine High School for the Arts and are first-prize winners of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA).
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Lizzie Estrada (soprano) and Aidan Ezra Baracol (piano) will perform with CCP scholars Adrian Nicolas Ong (violin) and Mark Kenedy Rocas (flute) on Saturday, July 27, 5 p.m. at the Young People’s Concert with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra at the CCP@Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium. Tickets are free.