Minoru Inagaki Guitar Concert

Minoru Inagaki had his concert here in the Philippines last night March 27, 2010 at Insular Life Theater in Alabang, Muntinlupa. It was really great. and I was lucky to have a seat in the second row orchestra center. It was like he was just playing right in front of me. I was so near. I heard some guys say that it was better at the back because his Ignacio Fleta guitar projected really well. But he sounded really good from where I was so I'm contented.

Such refinement in his playing. I'm amazed. I really liked his Piazzolla's Adios Nonino. (We are playing the same piece for the UP Guitar Orchestra. Click here for the video.) But hearing it on solo guitar played by Inagaki was just wow. My mouth was gaping the whole time. lol.

And I get to hang out with Inagaki-san and some guitarists and friends after his concert at Cafe Ano in Westgate, Alabang. How lucky could I be! The food was great. I especially liked the grilled norwegian salmon. Somebody brought some yummy cinnamon rolls that we get to reheat 3 times! because it was windy and cool outside. Wine was really good. I heard it was italian something. I'm not really good with wines, I just know how to gulp it. hahaha.

Each of the guitarists played something for Inagaki-san. I played "Sakura theme and variations." I was nervous. Because I don't drink and play. I knew I was gonna messed up and true enough, I did skip some measures. But it's okay, I didn't feel bad about it. He played the same piece as his encore by the way. It was a different version though. I really liked it. And it made me want to rethink how I'm playing the piece.

Adobo flakes rice and the grilled salmon with veggies, mashed potatoes and lemon sauce.

Minestrone soup and cinnamon rolls
And Minoru Inagaki played something for us that night! Here is a video. He should have played this as one of his encore pieces. The audience would be so thrilled if he had done so.

In a little while, I'll be attending a dinner party for Minoru Inagaki hosted by the anonymous donor who had been really generous in making last night's concert possible. So much for being lucky!