'Goldenberg: The Concert Series XIX': Music, heritage, and talented classical Filipino musicians

“Goldenberg: The Concert Series XIX” put a spotlight on music and heritage at its show last October 3 at the Goldenberg Mansion in Manila.

Now on its 19th edition, the concert series highlights both established and emerging artists, showcasing the potential of the next generation of Filipino musicians.

The event featured a trio of classical Filipino musicians who performed their renditions of classical and Filipino Kundiman songs, and even songs from Disney and contemporary pop.

Gerry Graham Gonzales, the cellist, started his journey at 11 years old, and graduated Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at St. Scholastica’s College Manila. He is a multiple National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation, Inc. (NAMCYA) winner in solo cello and chamber music. He has also performed at international festivals in Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan. Today, he is the Principal Cellist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Jayson Rivera is a clarinetist and educator, known for his artistry and mentorship of young musicians. He graduated with a music degree from the University of the Philippines (UP) and has a master’s degree from Philippine Women’s University. He was the NAMCYA Clarinet Champion in 1998, and is also a member of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Rivera is a senior lecturer at UP.

Finally, Dingdong Fiel is one of the country’s most active concert pianists, admired for his versatility as a performer, a composer and a mentor. He was named best instrumentalist at the Aliw Awards in 2020, performed 12 solo piano concerts in 2023, and founded the Dingdong Fiel International Music Academy that same year Fiel has performed in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

“Goldenberg: The Concert Series XIX” had two sets at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The first show welcomed 150 students from Kalayaan National High School, Wesleyan College Manila, Padre Zamora Elementary School, and Padre Burgos Elementary School.

The second show had 60 students from Padre Burgos Elementary School and Blessed Elena Academy Inc.

The performances affirmed the concert series’ goal of preserving tradition, while educating and nurturing future Filipino musicians and audiences. It aimed to highlight the power of music in connecting communities and igniting passions, while honoring the artists who paved the way. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News