Dr. Raul Sunico, former President of Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and a world-renowned pianist captivated the audience in a heart-warming piano performance dubbed, “A Tribute to Gulangyu/Piano Island’s Declaration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site” at the Topaz Atrium, SM2 Lifestyle Center on 18 July 2017.\

Dr. Sunico performed a diverse repertoire which included Liszt, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Gershwin as well as a Filipino folksong-classic medley. Dr. Sunico also played a Chinese masterpiece, “Ode to the Yellow River”, which captured the hearts of the local audience.

A large audience, led by Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores, comprising of Consulate General’s officers and staff, SM management team, members of the Filipino community, Xiamen University’s Arts College staff, media representatives, guests and contacts as well as shoppers attended the concert.

In brief remarks, Consul General Flores thanked Dr. Sunico for sharing his music and artistry as well SM-Xiamen and its management team for their support and cooperation and both were presented with Plaques of Appreciation.

The concert was a collaborative undertaking of the Consulate General with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and SM-Xiamen forming part of its cultural diplomacy thrusts for 2017.

The SM-Xiamen management team expressed its commitment to support Consulate General’s future activities, especially staging similar events featuring world-class Filipino performers

The recent UNCESCO declaration of Gulangyu Island as a World Heritage Site also highlights the first Piano Museum in China with a vast collection of antique pianos which is a top tourist attraction aside from the main draw which are the island’s architectural gems known as Amoy Deco Style END