Strings of Gold: A Night to Remember at MiraNila Heritage House

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Poster of the September 19 event.

The evening of September 19, 2024, promises to be a night of elegance and musical mastery at the MiraNila Heritage House & Library. As the historic walls of MiraNila prepare to echo with the melodious strains of classical music, the send-off concert of the acclaimed cellist Damodar Das Castillo, aptly titled "Strings of Gold," is set to captivate audiences in an event that marries history with the sublime artistry of music.

A Venue Steeped in History

MiraNila, now a heritage house and library, was built in 1929 by U.S.-trained architect-prndionado Gregorio Paredes and in 2007 deemed as an important cultural site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

The Main Hall of the MiraNila Heritage House & Library, a space steeped in cultural heritage, will serve as the perfect backdrop for this special event. The evening will also mark the unveiling of MiraNila’s meticulously renovated 1904 Steinway grand piano, a rare gem in the Steinway & Sons catalog. This grand piano, with its distinctive rococo-style feet, has been a silent witness to the legacy of the Benitez family, prominently displayed on an elevated platform beneath an elegantly winding staircase. The thoughtfulness in its placement is a testament to the vision of Francisca Tirona Benitez and her cousin, architect Gregorio Paredes, who imagined the piano as a centerpiece of the MiraNila living room as early as 1929.

A Collaboration of Musical Virtuosos

Virtuoso pianist and music educator Mariel Ilusorio has made the Philippines her home after twenty-six years performing and living in three continents.

Accompanying the young cello prodigy, Damodar Das Castillo, is the virtuoso concert pianist Mariel Ilusorio. A Julliard-trained artist with a repertoire that spans continents, Ilusorio’s mastery on the keys will bring life to the newly restored Steinway piano, creating a musical experience that attendees are unlikely to forget. Her vast experience and accolades, earned through years of study and performance across the globe, make her an ideal partner for Damodar in this send-off concert.

The evening’s repertoire promises a rich blend of classical pieces, including the intricate works of Bach and Chopin, alongside beloved classics by Nicanor Abelardo, Henry Mancini, and Richard Rogers. The night will culminate with a cello concerto by Dvořák, a piece that has been instrumental in establishing Damodar's reputation on the international competition stage.

The Rising Star: Damodar Das Castillo

Cellist prodigy Damodar Das Castillo posed with his cello handcrafted by Master Luther George Gerl, a winner of the 2012 German Musical Instrument Prize. Photo by Stanley Ong.

Damodar Das Castillo’s story is one of prodigious talent and relentless pursuit of musical excellence. He first captured the public's attention at the tender age of seven and has since become one of the most celebrated young cellists in the Philippines. As the youngest member of the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra in 2015, and later as its most frequently featured soloist, Damodar’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

His accolades speak volumes of his talent: from performing at the ASEAN Summit in 2017 to debuting with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and winning top prizes in prestigious international competitions across Europe. Currently, Damodar is pursuing pre-college studies at the Mozarteum University Salzburg, with his eyes set on further honing his craft at the Carl Maria von Weber College of Music in Dresden under Prof. Valentin Radutiu.

Despite his global achievements, Damodar remains a grounded teenager, balancing his passion for classical music with hobbies like basketball, football, and even playing death metal on his electric cello.

An Evening of Elegance and Refinement

Guests are invited to arrive at 5:30 p.m., with the concert starting promptly at 6:00 p.m. Tickets, priced at Php 1,500, are limited, reflecting the exclusivity of this unique event. To ensure the preservation of MiraNila’s historic floors, attendees are kindly requested to wear soft-soled shoes.

The experience doesn’t end with the concert. Ticket holders can enjoy pre-concert snacks and post-concert dinners at Bizu MiraNila, with a 5% discount on the day of the concert. This culinary offering adds another layer of refinement to what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

Secure Your Seat for a Night of Musical Brilliance

"Strings of Gold" is more than just a concert; it is a celebration of heritage, artistry, and the timeless beauty of classical music. This event, presented by the Benitez-Tirona MiraNila Foundation in partnership with Leon Gallery, Erehwon Center for the Arts, and Gallery of The Blue Leaf, with support from the Bizu Groupe, is set to be a landmark occasion in Manila’s cultural calendar.

For ticket reservations, contact Robeen Manalo at 0927 277 6335. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a night where history and music come together in perfect harmony at the MiraNila Heritage House & Library, located at 26 Mariposa Street, Brgy. Bagong Lipunan, Crame, QC.

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