17 May 2006 – Philippine Ambassador to The Hague Romeo A. Arguelles informed the Department of Foreign Affairs that world-acclaimed Philippine pianist Cecile Licad performed on13 May 2006 before an audience of more than 700 people in the new and modern theater of Muziekgebouw aan’t Ij along the Amstel river in the city of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Ambassador Arguelles said the audience included parliamentarians, members of the Royal Household, judges and other officials of international courts based in The Hague, Ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, Dutch businessmen and members of the Filipino community in the Netherlands.

Ms. Licad’s rendition of the Mozart (Fantasie in c-minor), Chopin (12 Etudes op.25) Ropartz (Nocturne) and Rachmaninov (Sonata no. 2 in B flat minor op.36) classics were all well applauded. The audience gave her a resounding standing ovation at the end of her performance.  For her last piece during the encore, Ms. Licad rendered the Filipino birthday greeting “Maligayang Bati.”

During the reception after the concert, Filipino and foreign guests alike expressed awe at Licad’s performance. Ambassador Arguelles said,  “The Filipinos felt much pride in witnessing such excellence in a fellow-Filipino. Musicians and music-lovers were, in particular, very impressed at Licad’s rendition of one the most difficult classical repertoire.”
 
The Philippine Embassy in The Hague, in cooperation with the Philippine Honorary Consul in Amsterdam, organized this piano concert entitled “An Evening of Music featuring Ms. Cecile Licad.” (Please refer to the accompanying photo release on this subject matter.) END