Acclaimed pianist Raul Sunico performs in Chicago

Dr. Raul Sunico performing at the Piano Forte Recital Hall in Chicago. CONTRIBUTED

CHICAGO — Internationally acclaimed Filipino piano virtuoso Dr. Raul Sunico performed a selection of classical masterpieces at the Piano Forte Recital Hall in Chicago June 30.

The multi-awarded Sunico played pieces by Chopin, Liszt, Gershwin, Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky. Described as an “incomparable and brilliant musical genius who can essay from romantic to contemporary music effortlessly,” Sunico is concurrently the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Dean of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Conservatory of Music.

A special rendition of a Philippine kundiman medley by local Chicagoan and bass-baritone Karrell Bernardo and pianist Magnus Villanueva complemented Sunico’s performance.

Sunico (center) with Chicago hosts led by Consul General Generoso DG Calonge. CONTRIBUTED

The piano concert is a project of Isabel Juan, PhD., Cleofe Casambre, MD and the Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF). Proceeds from the event will benefit the UST Conservatory of Music Scholarship Fund and the World Surgical Foundation in the Philippines.

Consul General Generoso DG Calonge, together with Deputy Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., and staff members of the Consulate General, were in attendance.