Friday night (Nov. 22) at the Samsung Theater in Circuit Makati, violinist Diomedes Saraza, Jr. wore many hats in the ecstatically received Music Movies Magic concert of the Philippine Philharmonic under Gerard Salonga.
He was officially PPO’s concertmaster but he was also soloist in in the rendering of Meditation from Massenet’s Thais and the equally moving main theme from Schindler’s List.
He unleashed beautiful tones as he exchanged crystal clear obbligatos with tenor Arman Ferrer in Mi Mancherai by Luis Bacalov.
Easily a standout is his clear rapport with the orchestra under Salonga,
“That night was simply incredible!” he posted on FB.
It turned out he has worked with Salonga as early as 2019 with the then defunct ABS-CBN Philharmonic.
He was concertmaster in the concert production of Do You Hear the People Sing? with Salonga’s Filharmonika Orchestra where he met the legendary composer of Miss Saigon and Les Miz, Claude Michel Schoenberg.
He recalls that there was instant rapport when he encountered Salonga. “He is a conductor who knows the score very well and understands how to execute it with any orchestra. I’m so grateful that he was able to work with us in PPO. There’s a reason why many orchestras always invite him. I wish this will not be the last with PPO.”
The violinist said he appreciates Salonga’s seriousness and deep respect for each repertoire whether pop, film or classical:“He treats them with the same intensity.
He is also a great guy to hang out with, he reveals.
“I learn something new every time I talk to him about music or even anything outside of music.”
As he reflects on the recent PPO concert at Samsung Theater, he admits the energy and focus from the audience was empowering. “I felt like I can play to the lowest dynamics and my sound can still be heard. It was a pleasure to perform those emotional pieces for them Friday night.”
His first few engagements with PPO as concertmaster was so far great.
He actually stole the thunder from the Bruch soloist when he essayed the main highlights from Strauss tone poem.
“The Strauss tone poem Ein Heldenleben is considered a rite of passage for concertmasters. Playing that piece is not just learning the notes. It is also understanding the depth of the tone poem. For me to prepare something like that, I have to be emotionally energized. I cannot just focus on my solo part but also make sure the string section is in sync with what the conductor wants. It’s quite a challenging part but it is so worth it,” he said.
Dec. 6 PPO Concert III: Fantasy
Of late, he has exchanged concert dates with Italian violinist Andrea Obiso whose engagement was moved to April 2025 and with him take the early slot on Dec. 6 at the Samsung Theater for Performing Arts.
It’s been smooth all the way working with PPO’s music director Grzegorz Nowak. and the orchestra. “I find special joy working with the orchestra under Maestro Nowak. He is so sincere and what he gives to us musicians are so clear. He knows what he wants and does not waste time which is similar to my personality when I am in rehearsal. He’s a really kind guy and I can feel he truly cares about PPO.”
His 2024 is nothing but full of surprises. “It has been one of the best years in my professional career and I am so grateful to the people who supported me. I know God is with me and I am grateful for the many opportunities he’s been giving in the past year. In 2025, I look forward to exciting projects here and abroad.
Included in the Dec. 6 concert is Sibelius’ Violin Concerto op.47, D minor.
What kind of Sibelius will Manila’s music lovers hear when he momentarily leaves the concertmaster’s chair to become soloist?
“I always feel excitement performing with PPO under Maestro Nowak. Sibelius is always challenging technically! It’s very thick in writing and almost close to a symphony. It’s akin to a soloist battling with the orchestra. I am hoping to show more maturity in my playing my interpretation on Dec. 6.”
Saraza plays on a 1972 French violin by Eugene Guinot and Rene Morel given by Standard Insurance.
The December 6 PPO program will open with Rossini’s William Tell Overture and capped by Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 5, Op. 64 in E minor.
For ticket inquiries, call the CCP Box Office at +63931-033-0880.
