A Little Afternoon Music

The Goldenberg Concert Series presented by First Lady Liza Marcos features heartwarming music in a historic venue.

- MILLET M. MANANQUIL

When was the last time you enjoyed a piano concert? I remember how, in recent years, world-class pianist Cecile Licad enchanted music lovers during her CCP concerts presented by the late art and culture patroness Nedy Tantoco.

Licad's career flourished under the caring aegis of First Lady Imelda Marcos, and she played the piano for family friend President Bongbong Marcos during his inaugural dinner, doing his favorite Rachmaninoff Concerto 2.

But now, there are mini-concerts to be enjoyed in our urban cultural landscape.

At Rockwell's Power Plant Mall, for instance, you can enjoy good music—from Rachmaninoff to rock—for free. My favorite performer is the veteran pianist Bong Infante, whom I often request to play not just Beatles numbers, but also modern tunes derived from Rachmaninoff's Concerto 2, namely All By Myself and Full Moon and Empty Arms. Or do Chopin's Till the End of Time and I'm Always Chasing Rainbows.

And then, last week, I thoroughly enjoyed a little afternoon music (hmm, are we recalling A Little Night Music by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler?) at the Goldenberg Mansion.