Cecile Licad Returns Home
Hailed by The New Yorker as a Pianist’s Pianist, world-renowned Licad to perform Chopin, Saint-Saëns, Mozart, Rossini with the PPO.
By Art+ Magazine Team
September 22, 2025
Renowned worldwide as one of the greatest pianists of her generation, Cecile Licad returns to the historic Manila Metropolitan Theater for a landmark concert with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) under the baton of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 6:30 PM.
In this much-anticipated performance, Licad will bring to life the very works that cemented her place in music history. She will perform the two concertos from her acclaimed recordings with the London Philharmonic Orchestra under André Previn—Chopin’s Concerto No. 2, which earned her the prestigious Grand Prix du Disque from the Chopin Society of Warsaw, and Saint-Saëns’ Concerto No. 2.
Licad, hailed by The New Yorker as “a pianist’s pianist,” first dazzled Manila audiences at age 8 under the baton of National Artist Antonino Buenaventura, who declared: “A talent like her comes only once in 100 years.” She later made history as the first Filipina to win the coveted Leventritt Gold Medal in 1981, joining the ranks of legends such as Van Cliburn and Gary Graffman. Over the decades, she has been honored with the Presidential Medal of Merit (1991), the Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining in the field of Music (1994), and the Pamana ng Pilipino Award (2014).
Photo by Patrick Diokno
Most recently, her December 2024 recital at Carnegie Hall earned rave reviews, with the New York Classical Review praising her performance as “less about pianistic display than about ideas and meaning,” underscoring her unique gift for combining virtuosity with profound musical insight.
For her Metropolitan Theater concert, Licad will perform Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 and Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22, alongside the PPO. The program will also feature Mozart’s Overture to Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), K. 620, and Rossini’s Overture to L’italiana in Algeri. With her extraordinary artistry and emotional depth, Licad promises an unforgettable evening celebrating the Filipino spirit and the universal language of music.
Presented by Rustan’s, The Pianist’s Pianist pays tribute to Filipino artistic excellence and continues the legacy of the late Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco, who tirelessly championed culture and music. Carrying her vision forward, Anton T. Huang, President and CEO of Rustan’s and SSI Group, and Chairman of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. (PPOSI), spearheads the initiative as a meaningful fundraiser for the PPO’s continued pursuit of excellence.
Anton Huang, President and CEO of Rustan’s and SSI Group, and Chairman of PPOSI and Cecile Licad
Huang shares, “Cecile Licad is not only one of the Philippines’ greatest cultural treasures but also a symbol of how Filipino artistry can inspire and elevate audiences across the world. Through this concert and our continued support of the PPO, we honor her unparalleled contributions to music while ensuring that the next generation of Filipino musicians can thrive.”
Joining Rustan’s as partners are Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Megaworld Corporation, Philippine Airlines (PAL) as Official Airline Partner, Rustan Coffee Corporation, and Sta. Elena Construction & Development Corporation, collectively reaffirming their commitment to Philippine artistry.
Though celebrated globally, Licad remains deeply connected to her roots, often performing outreach concerts across the Philippines. Following her Manila performance, she will embark on a nationwide series of performances, presented by various esteemed organizations, each supporting a unique cause.
Presented by Baguio Country Club for its 120th Anniversary, will be an invitation-only event at the Cordillera Convention Hall on Sept. 27, 2025. Following this, she will perform at the Pinto Art Museum and Arboretum in Antipolo on Sept. 28, 2025. For tickets, interested individuals may call 09163746347.
A concert will also be held at the Miranila Heritage House and Library in Quezon City on Oct. 1, 2025, with tickets available through 09065478268.
Finally, Ms. Licad’s series include two highly anticipated performances in Iloilo City. She will perform at Sta. Ana Parish in Molo on October 6, 2025, and at the UPV Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage on October 7, 2025. Philippine Airlines will graciously fly her to Iloilo for these engagements. She will also perform at the ECrown Hotel Ballroom in Virac, Catanduanes on Oct. 11, 2025.
Photo by Patrick Diokno
In every note she plays, Cecile Licad reminds us that the universal language of music can inspire, unite, and uplift—resonating far beyond the concert hall.
Tickets are available through Lulu Casas (0917 570 8301) or Nancy Sones (0994 715 6582) and at Ticketmelon https://www.ticketmelon.com/rustans/cecile-licad-concert/
Don’t miss this extraordinary evening of world-class music! Prices are as follows:
Orchestra Center at ₱5,000.00; Orchestra Sides at ₱3,500.00; and Balcony Center and Sides at ₱500.00.
