|
By Kristelle Joy Festin and Katherine Mae M.
Lopez, Special to the Manila Times
Pianist Angelo Ortiz makes another mark in the
music industry with the release of his new album, Classica!
containing his rendition of Vangelis’ “Chariots of Fire” as
well as his winning pieces in the 2006 World Championship of
Performing Arts in Hollywood, California and original compositions.
“My new album has orchestra in it. Before it
is just purely piano,” says Ortiz, adding that the music in
Classica! falls under the mainstream category. “Basically, it’s
more of inspirational music.”
“I’ve been in the industry for three years
and only the mature people appreciate my music. I want the youth to
appreciate my music that’s why I added elements that would catch
their attention,” he says.
Santa savior
Despite the high recognitions Ortiz receives
worldwide, this young pianist can’t help but to show the child in
him.
Now considered as the “youngest classical pop
piano instrumental composer and musical director,” Ortiz shares
how he got interested in the fascinating musical instrument saying
that it all started when he “got envious with his cousin who was
then playing the organ.” He reveals how he begged for a piano from
his parents.
“They might be thinking then that I was just a
child, so I wanted everything,” says Ortiz as he explains that his
parents did not buy him the dream instrument. However, he becomes
full of color as he reminisces how he got his first musical
instrument, a battery-operated small piano.
“I asked for Santa to give a piano, instead,
he gave me a battery-operated piano,” says Ortiz.
He taught himself how to play the piano as early
as six years of age. Later he honed his skills at musical
institutions such as the Yamaha Music School, Greenhills Music
Studio, and Pink Toes Music Studio before entering into the
University of the Philippines College of Music’s extension
program. Then, Ortiz decides to stop and concentrate more with the
beauty of notes and keys.
He shares that getting his family’s support
was not easy. Nonetheless, he is thankful for the unconditional
support he enjoys today.
Simply unstoppable
Proving that there is more to life in his young
age, Ortiz continues to accumulate plaudits. He was a nomination to
the 19th Awit Awards under the Best Christmas category and was asked
to be a judge in the 20th Awit Awards. He has been featured in
youth-oriented television shows such as Breakfast of Studio 23, ANC
Life, and SOP. He has performed for corporations such as Globe and
Hewlett-Packard. In a performance at SM Mall of Asia, his audience
included no less than President Arroyo and magnate Henry Sy.
He is also the founder and former musical
director of the all-male classical tenor group The Angelos. He has
also formed his own orchestra called Youthgen Symphony Orchestra.
“For me, piano is the most complete
instrument,” he declares, adding, “I believe that as technology
evolves, music should evolve too.” Together with its keys and
notes, Angelo Ortiz and his piano are simply unstoppable.
|
