Remembering Nena del Rosaro Villanueva, the 1st Filipina prodigy who performed at Carnegie Hall

The family of Nena del Rosario Villanueva, the first Filipina to play at Carnegie Hall, hosted simultaneous concerts in Manila, Philippines and New York City, to celebrate her 88th birth anniversary on September 22, 2024.

The concert featuring four global Filipino musicians who played Nena’s favorite classical numbers was held at the Klavierhaus store in Midtown Manhattan. Co-produced by Nena’s son Jun Villanueva and daughter-in-law Myla, pianists Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz and Rene Dalandan, soprano Margarita Giannelli and violinist Jeanne Marquezshared their personal relationships with Nena and how she inspired their work and craft. Nena is a godmother to both Cruz and Giannelli. Dalandan had performed with Nena in previous concerts, and Marquez has been a follower of the legendary pianist.

Nena was the first Filipina soloist to perform at the Carnegie Hall and the first Filipina soloist to perform with the New York Philharmonic, again at Carnegie Hall.  She then hit the airwaves as regular special guest soloist at CBS Radio, where her performances delighted listeners all over the world through Voice of America.  She accomplished all this by the age of 15.

The one-hour musical included the sharing of the life and legacy of Nena, three songs by Nicanor Abelardo: Bituing Marikit, Nasaan Ka Irog, Mutya Ng Pasig rendered by Giannelli and accompanied by Dalandan.  Liebesleid, Bahay Kubo and Somewhere Over the Rainbow had Marquez and  Dalandan performing together.    Five pieces from solo pianist Cruz: Asturias, Odeon, Alborado del gracioso, Liebestraume No. 3 in A-flat Major and Ballade No. 1 in g minor, Op. 23 engaged the audience.

Joining the Crespo Villanueva family in the celebration were Consul General Senen Mangalile, Trade Representative Ben Uy, Maestro Rony Rogoff, entrepreneur Imelda McCain, art dealer Federico De Vera, philanthropist Ayesha Vera Yu, and many other industry leaders and music enthusiasts.  Journalists, fashion stylists, finance executives and legal professionals enjoyed the little night music, where they learned  the impact, life and legacy of Nena as shared by her family and people close to her.  

The livestream of the Nena NYC Recital is available at https://event.klavierhaus.com/k/live