3 artists to perform in May 17 concert ‘Affair to Remember’

Pianist Xingjia Yao

Pianist Xingjia Yao

“An Affair to Remember” concert, featuring a pianist, a tenor and a visual artist, will be presented on May 17 at 6 p.m. at The Church of the Epiphany at 375 Second Avenue in Manhattan.

The concert features pianist Xingjia Yao; tenor Rogelio Peñaverde Jr.; and oil pastel artist, according to organizer, La Comunidad de Zamboanga de Nueva York.

Pianist Xingjia Yao began her love affair with the piano at the age of 4. Inspired by her parents who are talented musicians – her mom plays the violin and her dad plays the cello and the flute – she took regular lessons until she passed the 10th Grade in Piano Performance at the Central Conservatory of Music in China. She credits Ms. Peiquing Lin as her most influential teacher.

Xingjia is currently pursuing a career in law. She graduated with a Master of Laws Degree from Columbia University and is currently employed in an international legal firm in New York. She continues to devote time to playing the piano both in private practice and in public performance.

Praised as a singer “with engaging presence,” displaying “strong, dependable vocal equipment which flawlessly soars and sustains high notes long and firmly,” tenor Rogelio Peñaverde Jr. has become a much sought after lead tenor of the Mozart and bel canto opera repertoire. Noted by the New York Times for his “sweet sound,” he is equally at home with musical theater and contemporary pop music.

Tenor Rogelio Peñaverde Jr.

Tenor Rogelio Peñaverde Jr.

He began the year performing the role of Nicholas Astor in Mechem’s “The Rivals” under the production of the Bronx Opera Company. This was followed by his performance of the tour de force tenor role, Lindoro, in Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri” produced by Taconic Opera of New York. He has also performed with New York City Opera, the Caramoor International Music Festival, Bel Cantanti Opera of Washington D.C., Liederkranz Opera Theater, Dicapo Opera, Tuscia Opera Festival of Italy, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Rogelio graduated with a Master of Music Degree, Major in Voice, from the Manhattan School of Music where he was a merit scholar. He earned his Bachelor of Music Degree, Major in Voice, from the University Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music where he was a scholar of the alumni association.

Fast gaining repute for her rich floral works in oil pastel, Ecel Peñaverde is a graduate of Fine Arts, Major in Painting, from the Philippine Women’s University. This event marks her second exhibit in New York after her sold-out success last year in a solo show that was produced by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir of New York, Inc. Ecel is Rogelio’s sister.

La Comunidad de Zamboanga de Nueva York is a religious-civic organization composed of Chavacano-speaking members from the New York metropolitan area. The organization has raised money for scholarships for deserving students and for assisting Zamboanga City in times of calamity.

Visual artist Ecel Peñaverde

Visual artist Ecel Peñaverde



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