Alfonso "Coke" Bolipata is a highly acclaimed Filipino violinist. He is also a teacher, writer, administrator and founder of Casa San Miguel in San Antonio, Zambales.
Over the years, so many articles have been written about Coke, but not many people areaware that he is the genius behind the First Ruggero Barbieri Conducting Fellowship.
I have known Coke from way back, and I am so glad we had a chance to catch-up and chat about Casa San Miguel, his music and mentorship, and now his new endeavor, the Ruggero Barbieri Conducting Fellowship.
Here is that conversation.
Can you describe how you see yourself today as an artist compared to when you started your career as a violinist?
Well, I'm much older...but wiser! I think it becomes every previous generations responsibility to pave the way for each coming new generation. The challenges our generation faced are vastly different and even more complex than those young artists face today. Despite this, the mentorship and guidance we can offer remain invaluable. It's our duty to share our experiences, wisdom and support to help them navigate the evolving landscape of the arts. The challenges our generation faced have equipped us with unique insights that can empower the next generation to overcome their own hurdles.
In this ever-changing world, the role of mentorship is more crucial than ever. By fostering an environment of learning and collaboration, we can ensure that young artists are not only well-prepared but also inspired to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. It's a continuous cycle of growth, where each generation builds upon the foundations laid by the previous one, paving the way for a vibrant and resilient artistic community.
You are Casa San Miguel and vice-versa. From the time you founded Casa San Miguel to what it is today, do you think changes are still necessary? What are your plans for the future?
Casa San Miguel continues to evolve, growing from a modest student body of a few dozen in 1996 to over 00 students across our main campus in Zambales and satellite locations in Olongapo, Tondo and Batangas. Our ambassadors, the Pundaquit Virtuosi, reached a pinnacle with a highly successful European tour in 2019, gaining significant momentum and visibility. However, the pandemic abruptly interrupted this progress. During this time, many members advanced to conservatories, prompting us to train a new generation in preparation for another tour in 2025.
Our visual arts program has also flourished, becoming deeply embedded in the local community. We are excited to announce the upcoming Zambulat Festival 2025, our third iteration, which will feature a Visual Arts Conference, collaborative theater productions, gallery exhibits, concerts, and a trade fair. This festival will further cement our commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange with our community and beyond.
Can you tell us more about the Ruggero Barbieri Conducting Fellowship?The Ruggero Barbieri Conducting Fellowship was established in 2024 by Rustan Commercial Corporation and Casa San Miguel Foundation to celebrate the musical legacy of the Italian conductor who was positioned to fill the post of Musical Director of the Pundaquit Virtuosi in the summer of 2020.
The Maestro had previously led the ensemble through a highly successful European Tour to nine European cities that garnered unanimous ovations from both Filipino and European audiences. The pandemic would interrupt this much-expected collaboration, during which time the Maestro passed away.
To continue his legacy, Rustan's and Casa San Miguel have decided to pursue the collaboration through a conducting fellowship supporting a promising young conductor in the name of Ruggero Barbieri to lead the Pundaquit Virtuosi for a year of training and concerts in 2024.
What are the outstanding qualities of Glenn Aguias and why was he chosen as the first recipient of the Ruggero Barbieri Conducting Fellowship?
Glenn Aquias was my first choice because he is already part of our ecosystem and serves as a mentor and advisor to the students. Apart from that, I see in him great potential in being developed into one of the many capable conductors for the future. There is an alarming shortness in supply for conductors for the next generation and Glenn has demonstrated both the technical skill and the dedication required to fill this critical gap. His deep understanding of music, combined with his ability to connect with and inspire young musicians, positions him uniquely to take on this role. Additionally, his current involvement with our organization ensures a seamless transition and continuity in our programs.
Furthermore, Glenn's commitment to lifelong learning and his proactive approach to seeking out professional development opportunities highlight his ambition and capacity for growth. He is not just a conductor in training; he embodies the qualities of a leader and mentor, qualities that are essential for nurturing the next wave of musical talent.
Given the evolving landscape of classical music, it is imperative to invest in individuals who are not only technically proficient but also adaptable and innovative. Glenn fits this profile perfectly. His vision for the future of music education aligns with our mission to foster creativity, inclusivity, and excellence.
Glenn Aquias represents the ideal candidate for this opportunity. His existing contributions, potential for growth, and alignment with our organizational values make him an invaluable asset in addressing the impending shortage of conductors. Investing in his development will not only benefit him but will also ensure the sustained success and evolution of our musical community.
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For more information about Ruggero Barbieri Conducting Fellowship and Casa San Miguel, visit facebook.com/casa.sanmiguel.zambales.
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