What do classical music and fine dining have in common? They are both about sensory delight; they come in many flavors and textures; and they are natural complements for an ACMP event. Tom Cappaert has organized a series of such programs, at a pizza joint in Riobamba, coffee houses in Spain and Ecuador, and most recently with a string trio performance on the theme of Let’s eat Filipino! 

The evening was hosted by Chef Khim of Kucina Filipina in Quito, Ecuador. She contributed traditional Philipino dishes including chicken adobo and drunken shrimp, as well as an atmosphere of kapawa (shared inner self) and bayaihan (community unity). Chef Khim moved to Ecuador 20 years ago, but retains fond memories of the romantic music of her birthplace, recalled by the evening’s performance.

The program showcased works that infuse traditional Philippine folk music with modern classical styles. One of these is the kundiman, a genre derived from romantic serenades, repurposed to express popular discontent in the colonial era. The form is characterized by ¾ time signature, and a sequence of  a minor key introduction followed by transition to major in the same key.

To begin, Tom (cello) and violinists Catalina Paredes and Diego Samaniego performed Nicanor Abelardo’s Kundiman ng Luha (the song of tears).  This was followed by excerpts from Islas Filipinos, a collection from Spanish composer Antonio Lopez Almagro. The final piece was Fransisco BuenCamino’s wedding waltz Sayaw Sa law, which inspired ACMP member flautist Sherry Vogt to jump up to dance  (see video).