Cecile Licad mesmerizes at the Met
At the recently restored Metropolitan Theater in Manila, music lovers were treated to an unforgettable evening with Cecile Licad, the celebrated virtuoso often hailed as “The Pianist’s Pianist.” With her signature brilliance, the audience was captivated by her commanding artistry filling the historic venue. Each performance revealed not only technical mastery but also profound emotion, a reminder of why Licad continues to be one of the Philippines’ most treasured cultural icons.
SSI and Rustan’s president Anton Tantoco Huang shared that the evening was a tribute to Filipino artistic excellence and a continuation of the legacy of his mother, the late Nedy Tantoco, who tirelessly championed culture and music.
“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 Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, we honor her unparalleled contributions to music while ensuring that the next generation of Filipinos can thrive.”
The evening reached a touching peak during her encore when Licad paid tribute to her dear friend Nedy Tantoco, delighting the audience with Chopin’s Tristesse, more popularly known as No Other Love. The poignant piece was tenderly played, making the tribute a moment of shared emotion for all in attendance.
Licad’s Manila concert marked the beginning of a nationwide tour dedicated to supporting the PPO and various causes close to her heart. Her generosity and commitment to giving back are as striking as her music, bridging her international acclaim with her enduring love for her homeland.
Despite decades of performing in the world’s great concert halls, Licad remains deeply connected to her roots. She frequently brings her music to far-flung communities in the Philippines, proving that the universal language of music has the power to inspire, unite, and uplift.
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Concerts have been lined up in Baguio, Iloilo, Catanduanes, Mira Nila in Quezon City, and at the Pinto Museum in Antipolo.
