Press Release

PRESS RELEASE NO. 53-2026

DR. RAUL SUNICO CONCERT KICKS OFF FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH IN CHICAGO

CHICAGO, 01 October 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in partnership with the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC) and the Chicago Public Library (CPL), presented An Evening with Dr. Raul Sunico on 30 September 2026 at the Winter Garden of the Harold Washington Library Center in downtown Chicago.

The concert served as the Consulate’s kickoff celebration for Filipino American History Month (FAHM) this October and formed part of activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States.

Approximately 150 attendees were present at the concert, including 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, the first person of Filipino descent to serve on the Chicago City Council; Chris Brown, the first person of Filipino heritage to serve as Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library; the Consulate’s partners from the business and cultural sectors; and members of the Filipino American community. The Chicago Public Library also opened the concert to its patrons, drawing attendance from members of the public.

Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano delivered remarks during the program, together with Commissioner Brown and FAHSC President Ruben Salazar, as co-presenters of the event.

In her remarks, Consul General Diano highlighted the contributions of generations of Filipinos and Filipino Americans to American society, particularly in music and the arts, and their role in strengthening the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the United States. She also emphasized the important role of culture and the arts in celebrating Filipino heritage, sharing the richness of Philippine culture with broader communities, and fostering connections that transcend borders and backgrounds.

The highlight of the evening was a performance by internationally acclaimed Filipino pianist Dr. Raul Sunico, who presented a wide-ranging program showcasing both the classical repertoire and Filipino music.

Dr. Sunico performed works by renowned composers including Sergei Rachmaninoff, Frédéric Chopin, Richard Wagner, Franz Liszt, Claude Debussy, Alexander Scriabin, Richard Strauss, and George Gershwin. His Filipino repertoire included Antonio Molina’s Malikmata, as well as beloved Filipino songs Buhat and Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan, and a medley featuring the traditional songs Bahay Kubo and Leron, Leron Sinta.

The performance was warmly received by the audience, with Dr. Sunico’s interpretations of both international classics and familiar Filipino melodies drawing enthusiastic applause. The concert provided an opportunity not only to showcase the artistry of one of the Philippines’ distinguished musicians but also to introduce Filipino music and culture to a broader Chicago audience. END