Cecile Buencamino Licad’s unique natural pianistic talent was recognized early. She began her piano studies at the age of 3 and made her debut as a soloist with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Philippines in her native Manila at 7. When she was 12 she auditioned for Rudolf Serkin and was admitted to the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. Ms. Licad’s international career was launched in 1981 after she had been awarded with the prestigious Leventritt Gold Medal.
Her solo repertoire ranges from the early classical to the contemporary period. Ms. Licad’s discography includes piano concertos by Chopin (Grand Prix du Disque Frédéric Chopin 1985), Saint-Saens, and Rachmaninoff; chamber music by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Franck, Korngold, and Fauré; and solo piano music by Schumann, Chopin, Ravel and Gottschalk. The late Rudolf Serkin said about Ms. Licad: “She has an incredible instinct for all kinds of music and seems equally at home in any style.”
“This, I thought, must have been what it was like to hear Liszt himself play, making audiences swoon.”
— David Bratman, San Francisco Classical Voice
“She plays with such intensity that she gets lost in the music. Her audiences tend to get lost in her.”
— Cathalena E. Burch, Arizona Daily Star
Born in Manila, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the Ateneo De Manila University, and in 1998 graduated summa cum laude from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. After returning to the Philippines in 1999, he instantly became recognized as one of the most-in-demand and versatile musicians in Manila’s music scene, earning himself the Aliw Award for Best Muscial Director in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2008. In 2010 he was inducted into the Aliw Hall of Fame. A new force to be reckoned with in the classical conducting world, Gerard has recently begun his work as music director of the newly-formed ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra and has received rave reviews from music critics for his interpretations of the great symphonic works.
In December 2012, Gerard was honoured as one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM). He is married to violinist Divina Francisco, and they make their home in Manila with their children Antonio and Carmen.
The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra is a joint venture of ABS-CBN and First Philippine Holdings. The orchestra is composed of 40 musicians under the baton of Music Director Gerard Salonga and the guidance of Executive Director Mickey Munoz. The orchestra was created for the sole purpose of connecting and reinstating symphonic music into the lives of the Filipino people and its younger generation.
The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, through its live performances, aims to retain this part of our culture that has always been appreciated since time immemorial. The orchestra wishes this culture to thrive for future generations and dreams of inspiring the youth to continue this endeavor.
FRANCISFEST 2015
A celebration of St. Francis of Assisi as a
MAN of MERCY and COMPASSION
For nineteen years now, our parish has kept the wonderful tradition of holding a special Church concert to celebrate our annual FrancisFest, a festival in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, beloved founder of the Franciscan Movement.
This year we celebrate also the 40th ruby Anniversary of Santuario de San Antonio as a Parish. Let’s make this year a banner year by donating generously to support the Outreach and Charity Programs of Santuario de San Antonio Parish Foundation. Let’s all be like our model – St. Francis of Assisi – by being like him, a MAN of MERCY and COMPASSION!
Please come to the Francisfest concert on October 2nd at 7:00 pm at the Parish Church. Listen and be enthralled by the music Cecile Licad produces from the piano. Complementing her exciting musix is well-known ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by gifted Gerard Salonga. Get your tickets NOW! Amelita Guevara, this year’s hardworking chairman of Francisfest 2015 guarantees you a wonderful night of music. So see you there!
Download Press Kit or Sponsorship Forms, below:
Francisfest 2015 Press Kit
FrancistFest Sponsorship Form
FRANCISFEST 2015 REMINDERS
Masses Moved to Parish Center
To give way to FrancisFest 2015, all masses will be held at the Parish Center from September 30, 2015 to October 02, 2015. First Friday Mass on Oct. 2 will be at 5:00 p. m. Please be guided accordingly.
FRANCISFEST 2015 SEATPLAN
Click to enlarge
*TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PARISH OFFICE
*FRANCISFEST COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ADJUST THE RED AND BLUE SECTION LINE AREA DEPENDING ON TICKET SALES
RED: P5,000.
BLUE:P3,000.
GREEN:P1,000.
YELLOW-BALCONY:P500.
Francisfest 2015 Ticket Committee Guidelines
1. No ticket, no entry.
2. Seat reservation is not allowed.
3. Caregivers and bodyguards must have a ticket to enter the Church.
4. 50% discount for students (valid school ID must be presented)
5. Professional ushers will be present to guide guests.
6. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
7. Church doors close at 7:00 p.m.
Individual Donations and Corporate Sponsorships are still accepted. For more details, please call the Parish Office at 843-8830 up to 35.
About this year’s beneficiaries:
Hospital Ministry
JPIC Scholarship Ministry
Prison Ministry
Ecology Ministry
Friendship Home Livelihood Assistance Program
Basey Samar Housing Project
Franciscan Poor/Rural Parishes in the Philippines & Sri Lanka
FRANCISFEST 2015 LADIES COMMITTEE 2015
Santuario de San Antonio Parish 