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Filipino pianist Rudolf Golez, soprano Lara Maigue wow audiences in New South Wales, Australia


25 June 2013 - Acclaimed Filipino artists Rudolf Cesar Pelaez Golez, pianist, and Lara Marie Mascardon Maigue, soprano, won praises and admiration from both Filipino and Australian audiences for their performances in New South Wales, Australia, entitled “Himig ng Kasarinlan” (Hymn of Independence). Both artists performed at the Campbelltown Arts Centre in Campbelltown City, New South Wales, where they received a standing ovation, and at The Tea Room, Queen Victoria Building in Sydney’s Central Business District on June 15 and 17, respectively.

In commemoration of the 152nd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal on June 19, the concert featured compositions by Dr. Rizal such as Alin Mang Lahi (words and music by Dr. Jose Rizal), Kay Tamis ng Buhay (words by Dr. Jose Rizal and music by Felipe Mendoza), and an aria entitled Awit ng Gabi ni Sisa (words and music by Julian Felipe) based on Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere. Songs that inspire patriotism and Philippine life were also featured at the concert, such as Sa Kabukiran (by Manuel Velez), which was met with a roar of approval from the Filipino audience while the song, Bayan Ko, (words by Jose Corazon de Jesus, music by Constancio de Guzman) left only a few dry eyes in the audience.


The performance at the Campbelltown Arts Centre on June 15 was attended by Campbelltown City Mayor Sue Dobson, State Member of Parliament for Campbelltown Bryan Doyle, and Campbelltown Councillors Anoulack Chanthivoung and Paul Hawker, and members of the Filipino community.


Campbelltown is home to Rizal Street and Rizal Park that has a five-meter bronze statue of Dr. Jose Rizal by Eduardo Castrillo which was unveiled by President Benigno S. Aquino III last year.


The performance at the Queen Victoria Building, a heritage landmark at the heart of Sydney’s central business district, was before an audience of Australian guests. Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen F. Anota graced the event.


The concerts of the artists in New South Wales were made possible through the joint efforts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in Sydney, the Campbelltown City Council, and the Campbelltown Regional Filipino Community Council (CRFCC).


The members of the Filipino community expressed delight at hearing the compositions of Rizal performed by such talented Filipino artists and expressed excitement about similar performaces in the future.

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