After his amazing rendition of Saint-Saën's piano concerto no. 2 in G minor August of last year, Gabriel Allan Paguirigan once again took center stage with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra when he played Liszt's piano concerto no. 2 in A mjor during its "Mahler's Fifth" concert last April 4, 2013. This came after he won PPO's 2013 Young Pianist Competition, which I found not at all surprising.
What I did find surprising, however, was the boy behind the virtuoso. For someone so awfully talented, he is awfully friendly and modest, so much so that when I finally got around to asking him for an interview, he immediately agreed. He's quite the character, that kid.
Get to learn more about our little national treasure in this little interview. Quick, before he flies to Europe!
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| Image credit: Philippine Daily Inquirer |
It was a very memorable performance. Not everyone gets the chance to perform with the PPO. I feel very blessed and happy.
It is your second time playing with the orchestra, the first time was during the Classical Champs concert where you played Saint-Saën's piano concerto no. 2. How did it feel during the second time and how does it compare to your first?
The second time is more special to me. I never thought that I'd be featured as soloist in PPO's season concert, and definitely not in a season-ender. It was also easier for me the second time I worked with Maestro Oli and PPO. I remember the first time I rehearsed with maestro and PPO, I was really overwhelmed by the sound of the orchestra that I couldn't focus on my playing. But this time, I was more comfortable in playing, and of course the Liszt concerto was more straightforward than Saint-Saens' no.2, thus making it easier to put together with the orchestra.
You won your way into obtaining that coveted "guest artist" spot. Tell me about your competition experience: how long were the preparations and how did you prepare?
Actually, my teacher and I were informed around 2 weeks before the competition. Good thing, I was preparing the Liszt concerto for my solo recital (which took place April, around one week before the concert), so we decided to join. Preparing for competitions have always been tough for me. Short notice performances/competitions would really require intelligent practice. It's really quality over quantity. And of course, everytime I participate in competitions, I don't expect anything. I set my mind that it's just a performance and winning is just a bonus. Winning this competition came as a surprise to me, seeing who the competitors were and knowing how good they are. I really didn't expect to win.
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| Image credit: NiceyArafiles.com |
In my opinion, a musician should have two perspectives when practicing and performing: performer and listener. The performer connects with the instrument while the listener connects with the music. I guess I'm more of the listener when I play. I try to relate to what the music tells. To be able to convince the audience, I make sure that I also convince myself. That's probably why you say I have this connection with the moment.
I just had to ask: What do winning pianists like you listen to? What are your musical preferences?
I can't end a day without listening to Bach. I love listening to his compositions! Who doesn't anyway? I feel really grateful to Petri, Busoni, and Rachmaninov--among others--for expanding the piano repertoire with transcriptions of Bach's instrumental and vocal works.
What are your plans for the future?
I'm still not sure. Most probably, I'd continue my studies in music abroad. I just hope I could get a scholarship.
Gabby is taking up Diploma in Creative and Performing Musical Arts (DCPMA) at University of the Philippines, Diliman. He is currently studying piano under the tutelage of Ms. Nita Abrogar-Quinto.
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