In reverence to the greats of classical guitar

Homenaje, which translates to ‘homage’ or ‘tribute’ in Spanish, is a classical guitar concert that aims to pay homage to the old masters that built the repertoire of classical guitar, and to the new masters that kept, and are keeping it alive in the 20th and 21st centuries. 

The music will be performed by guitarist Rafael Ronquillo, a concert artist and instructor based in Metro Manila, on August 27, 2023, Sunday at 5 p.m. at The Philippine Madrigal Singers Music Studio (The Madz Studio) in Eastwood City.

Homenaje opens with a dance suite from Silvius Leopold Weiss, originally written for the lute and transcribed for guitar by the late maestro, Ruben Reyes. Next is the “Gran Sonata Eroica,” one of the most popular sonatas of Mauro Giuliani, and Francisco Tárrega’s “Recuerdos de la Alhambra,” a widely recognized piece of music for classical guitar.

The second part begins with Marek Paseiczny’s homage to Manuel De Falla. This is followed by Filipino music, the “Impromptus” by Ric Ickard (Richard Alcoy) written in dedication to guitarist Raul Manikan. This will be followed by “Malikmata,” a piano piece by Antonio Molina, transcribed for guitar by Rafael Ronquillo. “Theme, Variations et Finale” by Manuel Ponce will also be performed, and the concert ends with Nicanor Abelardo’s kundiman, “Mutya ng Pasig,” arranged for guitar by the late Filipino composer, Bayani Mendoza de Leon.

About the artist

Since 2014, guitarist Rafael Ronquillo has been performing at different venues in Spain, the United States, around Asia, and the Philippines. In 2015, he gave the Spanish premiere of Bayani Mendoza De Leon’s “Batang Laro Suite for Guitar,” and has been a featured soloist of the UST Conservatory of Music Alumni Association to perform Ferdinando Carulli’s “Concerto in A Major” with the Silangan Chamber Guitar Ensemble. Rafael is one of the pioneers and the current College Secretary at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Music, and he also leads the PLM Guitar Ensemble. 

For ticket reservations and other inquiries, please contact 0917 504 5670 or the  Rafael Ronquillo Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/rafaelronquilloguitar/).

Homenaje is presented by Casa Renato and Phenomenal Subic, Inc.