Written by Mr. Leopoldo F. Sumera Jr., GS & HS Strings Teacher
The Singapore Raffles International Music Festival is an annual music festival for young musicians. Young musicians all over the world come together and extend their journey in music concerts, exchange programs, instrumental exhibitions, masterclasses, and competitions. The festival serves as a captivating world-class music experience for young music talents.
About 900 participants from 14 countries participated in the event. Besides Singapore, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, Japan, UK, and France, entries from Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines added to the musical and cultural diversity of the festival.
After passing the Elimination Round of the competition, the DLSZ Violin Ensemble (members of the DLSZ Strings) proved its exceptional talent after bagging the GOLD Award in the finals of Chamber Music Youth Category and Outstanding Performance in the Solo Competition Youth Category. The competition was held last August 8-11, 2019 at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Center and at the School of The Arts (SOTA), Singapore. The four members of the DLSZ Violin Ensemble were humbled by the international recognition they received and were honored to represent the Philippines.
Out of 50 groups in the Chamber Music category, the DLSZ Violin Ensemble was awarded Gold and with High Ranking Performance as they performed their winning rendition of Antonio Vivaldi’s “Concerto for 4 Violins in B Minor” RV 580. The members of the ensemble include Joaquin Nicholas De Guzman (DLSZ 2022), Juan Jaime Javier A. Arceo (DLSZ 2023), Gerard Deniel P. Almira (DLSZ 2022), Cara Sabine D. Grageda (DLSZ 2023). They were assisted at the piano by our very own Ms. Marites B. Panaligan. In the Solo Competition Youth Category, Joaquin Nicholas C. De Guzman received the “Outstanding Award” for his brilliant performance of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1 Op.26. Out of 25 participants, he was part of the list of 13 participants who received the award on stage.
Under the mentorship and guidance of Mr. Leopoldo F. Sumera Jr., GS/HS Strings Teacher, the DLSZ Strings, with the support of the school, will continue its tradition of inspiring others through music for the love of God from whom all musical gifts flow, for the community, and for the country.
Animo La Salle!
