MANILA, Philippines?When a major musical organization known for fostering continuity of its craft teams up with a music icon who is equally committed to making a difference, it?s a powerful recipe for change. Last March 16, in Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Cecil Licad, the internationally acclaimed classical pianist, performed with the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band and Pundaquit Virtuosi. The collaboration made classical music sound pretty cool as the very young and the seasoned harmoniously tackled Mozart, Beethoven and Vivaldi.

Traditionally perceived as music for the upper society, classical music was in fact being played by the working class who support themselves through stipends or gifts from members of the aristocracy. In his time, Beethoven was the rock star complete with the attitude and groupies to match.

Cecil Licad is in a class of her own. Her super skills were honed at the age of three, when her mother started teaching her the piano. By seven years old, she made her debut at the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the tutelage of Rosario Picazo. At the age of twelve, Licad went to the United States of America where she studied at the Curtis Institute of Music with Mieczyslaw Horszowski, Seymour Lipkin and Rudolf Serkin, receiving the award for most outstanding student. In 1981, Licad gained international attention when she became the first musician in a decade to win the prestigious Leventritt Gold Medal. Licad has performed in recital in almost every music recital in the world.

The Young Musicians Development Organization along with the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band gives underprivileged youth not only the chance to advance their musical talents but they also provide avenues for extensive performance in schools, malls and parks. Pundaquit Virtuosi, on the other hand, is a unique children?s ensemble composed of the most advanced students in the Cuerdas String Program of CASA San Miguel, a community-based arts center in a fishing village in Zambales.

Describing the concert night as inspiring is an understatement. Irene M. Araneta, chair of the Young Musicians Development Organization sheds some light on this remarkable group effort, ?Apart from being internationally well-known, Miss Licad is the consummate musician willing to risk much for the success of music. In the concert process, the young artists in the orchestra learned not only about the work ethic and necessary technique of a professional but also the creative problem solving that has to happen for the music to ring true. Some 40 years ago, Miss Licad played as a 7-year-old soloist with a Children?s orchestra. She was interested to work with one, even if only to be witness to and impact the freshness of their approach to difficult music. As a result, she succeeded in inspiring not only the orchestra members to always play their very best, but also some members of the audience to continue practicing hard.?

After hearing Antonio Vivaldi?s Four Seasons Concerto played, I knew I was in the presence of genuine talent. One can only gaze in disbelief at Pundaquit Virtuosi?s 7-year-old Julian Duque coaxing such passion out of his violin. These kids not only love music but they live and breathe it. And this feverish enthusiasm is incredibly infectious. If you close your eyes long enough and listen hard, you can transport yourself to one of Venice?s famous drunken parties at the height of the Baroque period.

With the 20-minute break over, the grand piano was brought out and everyone held their breath as Cecil Licad?s small frame but immense presence seated herself in front of the piano. The excitement was palpable as the audience strained their ears and the performers straightened their backs in anticipation. Beautiful music flowed from the piano, the different wind and string instruments. Now it becomes clear why they say that listeners and performers of classical music are those who understand composition, history and culture.

Apart from musical appreciation, what then is the ultimate goal of this concert? These concerts are proof that goals, however far-fetched, are attainable with discipline, team work and tenacity. These children, whether they end up as professional musicians or not, will be well equipped with all the skills required of a good citizen, a nation builder. As a production partner Bantay Bata 163 also will earn to continue its good works. Children helping other children are yet another aspect of this whole dynamic that adults could learn from,? says Irene Araneta.