Reyes, a renowned pianist and music scholar, shared his research on the effects of classical music to human development. Accordingly, listening to classical music stimulates the production of neurons or brain cells, improving the overall intelligence of the listener.

It has been discovered that successful people most usually have some kind of music background. According to Reyes, this is no surprise since music lovers develop good timing, memory, analytical skills, coordination and discipline.

Countries like South Korea, Germany, Japan and other prosperous nations use music to develop their populace.

During the matinee, Santamaria and Reyes played Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, whose themes were used in Gulong ng Palad and Somewhere in Time, Buencamino’s Mayon Fantasy and Santiago’s Souvenir de Filipinas, and ended with Mendelssohn’s light-hearted second piano concerto.

The gala concert featured Saint-Saens’ and Rachmaninoff second piano concertos. Of the two, Rachmaninoff is the more popular work due to the popular songs that came from it, such as “Full Moon and Empty Arms”, “All by Myself”, and “I will be loving you always”.

While Santamaria and Reyes awed the audience with their spectacular virtuosity, another major revelation was the response of the audience, especially the students, who listened intently and participated vigorously in the open forum. Their interest dispels the myth that classical music is elitist and irrelevant, especially to the young.

Another revelation is how the local community came together to make this rare event happen. The prime movers were the Pagadian LGU, City Tourism Council, Hotel Camila, Sunburst Restaurant, Young Artist Music Center, and San Miguel Brewery, Inc. Minor sponsors include Emcor, Aquaworld, Springland, and many others.

When the audience was asked to clap if they would like Santamaria and Reyes to perform again next year, they gave a thunderous applause of approval. It seems that Pagadian is no longer a parochial community and befits its role as not only the regional center but also as a cultural capital of Western Mindanao.

Last update: 07-07-2008 14:20