There is one common denominator between haute couture expert Albert Figueras and music artist and educator Michelle Nikki Junia: classical music.
Albert has been nurtured by the Figuerases about the beauty and sublimeness of the classics in the timeless significance of Pyotr Llyich Tchaikovsky or Johann Sebastian Bach in the colonial influence or Lucio San Pedro or Francisco Santiago in the nationalistic sense.
Meanwhile, the Junias are also musically minded, which was enhanced by Michelle Nikki's music studies at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Conservatory of Music where she learned the rudiments of the field and the rigors of the discipline.
Junia also extended her knowledge of music when she opened, managed and maintained the operation (although she has passed on the management to her family because of her hectic schedule) of Musikgarten Manila, a music school for kids and grown-ups as well.
The philosophy of learning while teaching has been alive in her consciousness.
So when Albert and Michelle Nikki met again and recently watched and listened to the soothing and sublime music of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPeO) rendering the immortal creations of Gaetano Donizetti's "Don Pasquale" under the baton of Grzegorz Nowak during the "Switch" gig of its 19th Concert Season at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, they knew the mesmerizing and informative effects of the classical modes.
There was a mutual understanding between Figueras and Junia of what they have acquired in the education (formal or informal) of classical music.
"Classical music for me is life," said Albert.
"I have always been a fan of classical music," disclosed Junia, the President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
The reunion of the iconic fashion designer and the singer was the second time since I introduced them to each other in 2019 before we watched another classical concert at the CCP.
Photo Caption: CCP President Michelle Nikki Junia and Albert Figueras (Photo Credit: Albert Figueras/Facebook)
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