“As much as you are a pianist, you are also a gifted composer,” she said, “so why not write an original for your piano recital?”
And so I did – and my career as a pianist and a [then hesitant] composer was altered forever.
Nita Abrogar-Quinto, my piano teacher for six years at the UP College of Music, had a very special way of bringing out the best in everyone as she was a mentor, a second mother, a friend and a Korus OM all in one. Her sense of peace, gentleness and compassion in all that she did was incredible and worthy of emulation.
It saddens me to know that she passed away.
Farewell, Ma’am Nita. Say hello to Sir Paguio, Ma’am OA, Sir Makil and Arlynne. Thank you and until we meet again…