The New York City concert, co-produced by Jun and Myla Villanueva (second and third from left), showcased four talented Filipino musicians—pianists Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz (left) and Rene Dalandan (second from right), soprano Margarita Giannelli (right), and violinist Jeanne Marquez (third from right)v—performing Nena’s favorite classical pieces. Photos by Troi Santos
Family, friends, and global Filipino musicians celebrated the 88th birth anniversary of Nena Del Rosario Villanueva, one of the Philippines’ most accomplished pianists, with twin concerts in Manila and New York City on Sunday, Sept. 22. The NYC event at Klavierhaus in midtown Manhattan brought together performers who honored Villanueva’s remarkable legacy through her favorite classical pieces.
Villanueva, a child prodigy who debuted at Carnegie Hall at just 12 years old, left a lasting impact on the classical music world, and the event paid tribute to her transformative influence in shaping the field.
She gave her first public performance at the age of 4, and went on to become the first Filipina soloist to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in 1949 and with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Her remarkable journey in classical music includes performances for notable figures and world leaders such as U.S. Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon, Czech President Vaclav Havel, Empress Michiko of Japan, Queen Sofia of Spain and Philippine Presidents Elpidio Quirino, Carlos Garcia, Ramon Magsaysay, Diosdado Macapagal, and Ferdinand Marcos.
“She did 200 performances across her 60 years of playing, and many of them at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and one of the things we’re very proud of her about is, instead of going on to become a global artist, she came back to the Philippines and taught at the University of the Philippines for 11 years. That became really her advocacy,” Nena’s daughter-in-law Myla shared.
Villanueva’s exceptional abilities earned her a place at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, where she quickly became a star pupil. After winning a competition, she made her orchestral debut with the New York Philharmonic Symphony under the baton of conductor Igor Buketoff, performing Mozart’s Concerto in D Minor.
She was under the tutelage of the esteemed Russian pedagogue Isabelle Vengerova, and took master classes with the iconic pianist Vladimir Horowitz. Her early talent shone brightly when, at just 12 years old, she made her Carnegie Hall debut after winning a New York Times-sponsored piano competition. This monumental moment marked the beginning of a distinguished career in classical music.
Her talent led to frequent appearances in the “Music Talent in Our Schools” series, and by age 15, she had returned to Carnegie Hall as a finalist in the program, solidifying her status as a leading young pianist.
As radio became a dominant medium in the early 1950s, Villanueva became the first Filipino pianist to reach mainstream American audiences. Her performances on CBS Radio, beginning at the age of 12, captivated listeners nationwide. She appeared on programs like “Gateways to Music,” followed by features on Voice of America and “The Green Room Series” with the CBS Symphony, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in classical music.
The concert in New York City, co-produced by her son, Jun Villanueva, and daughter-in-law, Myla Villanueva, featured four Filipino musicians who performed Nena’s favorite classical pieces.
Pianists Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz and Rene Dalandan, soprano Margarita Giannelli, and violinist Jeanne Marquez paid tribute not only through their music but also through personal anecdotes, recounting how Nena had touched their lives. Both Cruz and Giannelli considered her a godmother and mentor, while Dalandan and Marquez spoke of the profound influence her legacy had on their own musical careers.
“I can be nothing but grateful because she taught me so many things. Even though she’s a pianist and I’m a singer, there’s a lot of musical things that she taught me just by me, being by her, and listening to her,” Giannelli said. “It’s something that will never be replaced.”
The performances included heartfelt renditions of Nicanor Abelardo’s Bituing Marikit, Nasaan Ka Irog, and Mutya Ng Pasig by Giannelli, accompanied by Dalandan. Marquez followed with Liebesleid, Bahay Kubo, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow, also accompanied by Dalandan. Cruz captivated the audience with a solo piano performance featuring Asturias, Odeon, Alborada del gracioso, Liebestraume No. 3 in A-flat Major, and Ballade No. 1 in g minor, Op. 23.
The intimate gathering was attended by several dignitaries, including Consul General of the Philippines in New York, Senen Mangalile, and Trade Representative Ben Uy, as well as notable personalities from various industries, such as Maestro Ronny Rogoff, entrepreneur Imelda McCain, and philanthropist Ayesha Vera Yu. Guests, including fashion stylists, finance executives, and legal professionals, shared in the celebration of Villanueva’s life, reflecting on her contributions to classical music and her lasting impact on Filipino culture.
Nena Del Rosario Villanueva passed away in 2016, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the Philippines’ most influential classical musicians. Her achievements in music, both on the global stage and in nurturing young Filipino talent, continue to inspire generations. As her family and friends gathered to honor her memory, they celebrated not only the life she lived but the beautiful music she left behind, resonating with all who were fortunate enough to witness her brilliance.
The evening concluded with light fare and cocktails, where stories of Villanueva’s incredible career filled the room, and her spirit lingered in the hearts of all who were present.
