Malacañang heritage concerts to bring students closer to arts

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang will hold concerts at the Goldenberg Mansion to bring students closer to the arts.

In a recent Facebook post, the Office of the Social Secretary said the government aims to “bridge students to the heart of Filipino musicians, artists, culture, and the arts” through the “Goldenberg: The Concert Series.”

Other details of the event to be presented by the Malacañang Heritage Mansions have yet to be disclosed.

“Let the melodies of our heritage inspire, uplift, and unite us all. Stay tuned for an unforgettable experience!” the Office of the Social Secretary said.

The Goldenberg Mansion in San Miguel, Manila is a guesthouse that will serve as a venue for important dinners and events related to arts, culture and other advocacies supported by President Marcos.

According to the social secretary’s office, the mansion was owned by French-Jewish businessman Michael Goldenberg whose daughter, Stella Goldenberg Brimo, was a well-known soloist, concert pianist and professor at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music and St. Paul’s College.

Brimo was a soloist of the Manila Symphony Orchestra and played the Emperor Concerto under its founder, Dr. Alexander Lippay, and the Triple Concerto for Two Pianos under Dr. Herbert Zipper during wartime.

After the war, she served as the president of the Philippine Association of University of Women Santo Tomas University Chapter and played the Brahms concerto with the Manila Symphony Orchestra for American soldiers for seven consecutive nights in a Chinese movie house.

“In one performance, a blackout occurred but she didn’t stop playing. The American soldiers gave her a standing ovation. Where best to hold the concert series but in the residence of a true artist?” the social secretary’s office said.

Last year, Malacañang held the Konsyerto sa Palasyo to honor soldiers, athletes and teachers and to promote the Philippines’ creative industry.