Celebrate the National Arts Month with soothing classical guitar music in the Kabataang Gitarista Special Recital on February 27, 2021, 3:00pm, streamed live for free via the CCP Arts Education Department and Kabataang Gitarista Facebook pages.
The recital will feature 19 members of Kabataang Gitarista (KG) from junior and senior high schools, and those already in college taking classical guitar as a degree course in colleges of music as scholars.
The program features the performances of Edel Mark Bitao, David Tiongson, Laurence Cadiente, Daryll Tiongson, Sarah Salipada, John Ericcson Rapadas, Charles Brian Mendoza, Kyle Adam Lorenzana, Kenneth Manacio, Maeriel Mon, Eliandre Tiongson, Cristian Abion, Gedd Evan Baylongo, Juan Paulo Cristobal, Augustine Francisco, Renz Land Alonzo, Heart Antang, Zack Fazunila and Kerby Trinidad.
The Kabataang Gitarista (KG) is a group of talented public high school students currently being trained in classical guitar. The students who come from high schools in Manila, Pasay and Parañaque receive free classical guitar training under Dr. Ivar-Nicholas Fojas, Fernando Sy-Changco III, David Tiongson, Edel Mark Bitao through the support of sponsors.
The program was organized by the CCP Artist Training Division in August 2012 to promote appreciation for, and interest in classical guitar performance among public high school students; to provide the highest level of guitar training free of charge; and to develop a performing classical guitar ensemble.
The KG has given performances in selected public and private schools, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, besides other venues. The group has also participated in lecture-demonstrations and workshops to promote classical guitar among the youth. Some of its members have given solo performances in their respective schools and have won in inter-school solo instrument competitions. In November 2019, the KG Trio won third prize in the Ensemble Category, and Edel Mark Bitao won third prize in the Solo Junior Category of the Saigon International Guitar Festival and Competition held in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Later in the month Edel Mark Bitao won first prize at the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) Junior Category.
Currently, around 30 guitarists are being trained under the program.
Follow the Cultural Center of the Philippines, CCP Arts Education Department and Kabataang Gitarista Facebook pages to know more about the upcoming events of Kabataang Gitarista.