Matthew Calderon: Bringing the Filipino heart into the international stage

When somebody would ask me, "What have you accomplished at the age of 15?," I go blank.  Deploringly, the only memories I have from when I was a 15-year old would be that of chasing skirts and watching anime.  So I guess much like everyone else, my teenage years were pretty uneventful.

This certainly does not hold true for Matthew Calderon.  I bet that if he would be asked the same question, he would sit upright, chin held high, and haughtily answer back, "I won in an international piano competition at the age of 15."

But it doesn't seem fair to prejudice this surprisingly unassuming child wonder. As evidenced by this interview, there is so much more to him than meets the eye.  Join me as we discover what lies behind the internationally winning facade of Matthew Calderon--his beginnings, his competition experience, and his future plans.

When did you start learning the piano, Matthew?

I started playing the piano when I was 6.

Wow.  That’s a long time.  But even so, I 'm still curious on how you go about the preparation process. In light of your 2nd place win in your category during the 2nd Thailand Mozart International Piano Competition held last June, just how did you gear up for a competition of such caliber?

I practiced and practiced smart. <insert smiley here>

What were the pieces that you played during the competition?

Bach's Prelude and Fugue in C Minor no. 2 book , Mozart's Piano Sonata in C K330, Brahm's Rhapsody in G minor Op. 79, and Schumann's Aufschwung (Soaring) from Phantasiestucke Op. 12

Gee, those are tough pieces (From my vantage point, they really are. You know what they say, "If you can't pronounce it, you cannot play it.").  But apart from the technical difficulties that your pieces presented you, I would like to believe that the experience per se has brought its own set of challenges on you. What were the things that you got to learn from the experience?

I learned a lot from the experience, this being my first international piano competition.  I realized how much harder I still have to work and I was also inspired by the other young pianists from other countries.

I heard that you had some sort of an exacerbation before you went to Thailand for the competition?

Yes.  Before I left Manila I had an asthma attack and I didn't feel well in my first 2 days in Bangkok.  My teacher saw that I wasn't my usual self probably because of the medicines I took, so we made adjustments the day before the competition.

Aww. A mishap almost! That’s gotta be difficult. So how did you fare during the competition proper?

During the semi-finals, I was nervous naturally, but I kept in mind what teacher Mary Anne said, that I should just enjoy my performance.  It was a bit difficult when I began to play the first piece, but eventually, I began to enjoy it.

And what was you standing in the semi-finals?

Out of 7 semi-finalists, only two advanced to the finals, a girl from Malaysia, and me.

Wow! I bet you breezed through the finals.

Well, almost.  During the finals, I was more relaxed because I was just thankful and happy that I made it that far.  I did my best knowing that if I would win, it would just be a bonus already.

So I guess you won? <facepalm>

I was the only winner in my category.  I couldn't believe it.  I was happy, and I was humbled.

Matthew Calderon (far right) together with fellow Filipino winner,
Denise See (second from the left) during the awarding ceremonies.

The judges must've thought you were  the only one truly deserving of any distinction.  It's unquestionable.  But I was just wondering ... what did you think of the performances of your competitors? Did you get to hear how they played?

I didn't stay in the competition hall so I didn't hear the other contestants play.  It was only during the winner's concert when I heard some of them.  I had several realizations- the value of slow practice and lots of practice both actual and mental.

How did you feel when the results were being announced?

The results were just posted and I was almost afraid to look.

But what the heck, you won!  And the lone winner at that!  Your support crew must have been so proud.

Actually, I am really grateful for the unselfish support of my teacher.  She was a true mentor in every sense of the word.  My parents also came with me and my sisters cheered me on through the internet.  The other Filipino contestant, Denise See, and her mom were also very supportive.  My schoolmates and teachers also supported me and also some teachers from PTGP.

I am sure they all did their best to pep you up during such a crucial moment.  All their efforts to bolster your morale surely paid off.

Do you have any other realizations from the experience?

I also saw what I had in common with Denise, the other Filipino contestant- the Filipino heart.

What are your plans for the future?

Right now, I am in my third year at the Philippine High School for the Arts.  My teacher and I have begun preparing for my graduation recital. After that, I plan to pursue a college degree in music.

In what particular school, if I may ask?

I will just explore the opportunities that hopefully will come my way.

Well, good luck then. I wish you all the best for the future! Thank you for doing this interview with me.

Thank you very much po for this interview .


Matthew is currently under the tutelage of Ms. Mary Anne Espina. Prior to his Thailand victory, he was a regular performer and competitor in the various festivals and competitions sponsored by the Piano Teachers Guild of the Philippines (PTGP).