The Hague, 27 May 2022 – The Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague will host a piano recital at the Kalayaan Hall of the newly-renovated Chancery on June 2, 5:00 P.M., as part of its series of activities to commemorate the 124th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. The event is organized in collaboration with the Knights of Rizal The Hague Chapter and the United Filipino-Dutch Association.
The event is the inaugural cultural performance at the Chancery after its first comprehensive renovation work since the property was acquired by the Philippine Government in 1965 It is a fitting event that coincides with the theme of this year’s Philippine Independence Day celebration: “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas” (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning).
'We Filipinos have a rich and varied culture and musical tradition, and a great way to commemorate our Independence Day and promote friendship and goodwill is through culture and music,' Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said.
The piano recital will feature Filipino-American pianist Dr. Victor Santiago Asunción, a Steinway artist, who has performed in concert halls in Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, US, and the Philippines, among others. He has performed with notable artists from all over the world and also had recordings of various classical repertoire, including the complete Sonatas of L. van Beethoven with cellist Tobias Werner, Sonatas by Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff with cellist Joseph Johnson, the Rachmaninoff Sonata with cellist Evan Drachman, and the Chopin and Grieg Sonatas also with cellist Evan Drachman.
For the Independence Day recital, Dr. Asuncion will play a number of compositions of renowned Filipino musicians, as well as pieces by Frederick Chopin and Dutch classical composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. Pop songs are also in his repertoire.
The Washington Post has described his playing as "poised and imaginative," while the New York Concert Review Inc. said "Mr. Asuncion deserves high praise for both his attentive collaboration as well as his assured technique."
The Chancery’s Kalayaan Hall is envisioned to be a cultural venue and landmark for Filipino and other artists, as well as a place for conferences and trade exhibits.
Due to health protocols and space limitations, the onsite attendance at the piano recital is limited and by invitation only. Interested members of the public may view the live streaming of the event on the Embassy’s Facebook page at Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands on 2 June, Thursday, at 1700H. END
