Special Performer: Mr. Joaquin ‘Chino’ Maria Gutierrez

He was only 7 when he took his first violin lesson, and two years later placed second in the National Music Competition for Young Artists. At 10, he bagged the First Prize and made his orchestral debut at the Cultural Center of the Philippines with Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole. His performance was such that Germany-based Filipino conductor Oscar Yatco blurted: “That boy is the Cecile Licad of the violin!”

Mr. Joaquin Maria Gutierrez was easily accepted at Munich’s prestigious State Academy of Music and Theater, where pedagogue Jens Ellermann instantly classified him as “a major talent.”

“Chino”— as the young violinist is known to friends — is now into his early 20s. He appeared in a special recital with pianist Corazon Kabayao last November 30 at the BDO Francisco Santiago Hall.