A distinguished duo at the Conservatory.

Dúo Gil y Figueroa (Facebook via Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico - Página Oficial)

By PEGGY ANN BLISS

Special to The STAR

From Serenity to Transcendence. De la serenidad hasta la transcendencia.

Whatever language you say it in, it’s a mouthful. And a promise.

The above is the ambitious title of what promises to bring both serenity and transcendence to anyone who enters the hallowed hall of the Puerto Rico Music Conservatory this Sunday at 4.

Highlighting the prestigious Family Concerts, a regular Sunday afternoon feature for almost six decades, will be the Dúo Gil y Figueroa, composed of María del Carmen Gil and Diana Figueroa, two of Puerto Rico’s most distinguished pianists and educators.

The two, well known in the musical education field, are characterized by their chemistry, which makes four hands sound as if they belonged to one person.

They will play a selection of lullabies by Reynaldo Hahn and a lively selection of folk dances by Johannes Brahms, among other family-friendly selections.

Agent of growth

Cuban-born Gil, a graduate of Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, has had a distinguished career as a soloist, her most recent an appearance with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra during its present season.

Gil is head of the conservatory’s Piano Department and a former chancellor.

As the person who served longest in this position (15 years), she is credited with shepherding the financing, planning and construction of today’s conservatory and presiding over its move from an old factory in Hato Rey to its present historical site in Miramar.

An island treasure

Figueroa, who serves as piano area coordinator at the Conservatory, is also a graduate of Peabody. A distinguished soloist as well, she has performed with the Puerto Rico Symphony and the Puerto Rico Philharmonic.

She is the winner of the 1980 Jesús Sanroma Competition, named for Puerto Rico’s internationally recognized keyboard wizard of the last century. 

In addition to her role in the duo, Figueroa provides one third of the Sanroma Trio with Francisco Cabán and Luis Rojas.

Gil and Figueroa have also performed at the prestigious Gallery Inn, home of sculptor Jan D’Esopo.

D’Esopo also heads the Puerto Rico Steinway Society, which promotes piano music on the island, providing financial support to promising local keyboard artists.

French composer, conductor and singer Reynaldo Hahn in 1906 (Wikipedia)