THUMBNAIL REVIEWS & GLIMPSES ON THE CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN-LAGUA,
concert artist, music director, mentor, arranger, choral conductress, & songwriter
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DIVINAGRACIA B. MONTALBAN
“MOST TALENTED CHILD DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR”
(MANILA CHRONICLE, Philippines):
“After a winning streak through three competitive rounds on live television aired nationally in the Philippines for the past months as an 8-year old classical violinist, she was awarded the much coveted Grand Finals FIRST PRIZE in the DZAQ-TV talent contest, “YOUR CHILDREN ON PARADE” and was declared the ‘‘MOST TALENTED CHILD DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR’.”
“DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN: A 9-year old adult….An A-1 artist!”
RODRIGO PEREZ III
MANILA TIMES, Philippines
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COMMAND PERFORMANCE
(PROGRESS, excerpt from the MANILA TIMES):
“Dwarfed by the huge social hall and spotlighted by the giant chandeliers, 10-year old violinist, DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN, played for the United States PRESIDENT & MRS. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER and for the Philippines PRESIDENT and Mrs. CARLOS P. GARCIA and other distinguished guests. Touched and full of admiration, President Eisenhower drew the little girl to him after her performance and told her precious words of praise…..”
For a lovely violinist and little girl
Dwight D. Eisenhower
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“A CONCERT TO REMEMBER”
Ten-year old DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN is seen performing two major violin concertos by MOZART and MENDELSSOHN assisted by the Filipino Youth Symphony Orchestra at the packed St. Cecilia’s Hall of the St. Scholastica’s College during her September 28th “A CONCERT TO REMEMBER”.
JOVITA FUENTES, chairman of the MUSIC PROMOTION FOUNDATION of the PHILIPPINES, is also the Philippines’ first operatic diva hailed in Europe), exclaimed: “Divinagracia Montalban is a virtuoso who has chosen to bloom outright. It’s as though, impelled by irrepressible floral impatience, she has chosen to bask in the sun of public wonderment and appreciation for such rare and prodigious talent.”
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(EVENING NEWS, Saturday, December 8):
“CHILD PRODIGY”
“Thirteen-year old violinist, DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN, is in deep concentration while rehearsing as the main soloist of the FYSO Philharmonic Orchestra at the Philamlife Auditorium. Miss Montalban will be the second Filipino violin prodigy to play PAGANINI’s “Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major” (albeit the first and youngest violinist to perform it at 13)”….Manila Times
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“Divinagracia Montalban has compelling stage presence, musical integrity, and rare fiery brilliance. She is definitely multi-talented!”
AGNES DeMILLE, the famous choreographer for Broadway musicals like “CAROUSEL”, “BRIGADOON”, ”GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES”, and “Paint YOUR WAGON”, had two significant movie credits in “OKLAHOMA” and the iconic “CLEOPATRA”.
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“Divinagracia Montalban’s performance was electric and incredibly masterful!”
GENERAL CARLOS P. ROMULO
President, United Nations General Assembly; Recipient:U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom; World Peace Award; Pulitzer Prize in Correspondence;Purple Heart; Doctor of Laws from Harvard University; Four Freedoms Peace Award;Commander, Philippine Legion of Honor among 144 awards.
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Formal Invitation from Philippines FIRST LADY, Mrs. DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL, to DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN to perform at “A FORMAL TEA” in honor of the DIPLOMATIC LADIES on February 4 at the Malacanang Palace.
(MANILA CHRONICLE, “Incidentally..“, Virginia Benitez Lucuanan):
~ Setting: Malacanang Palace ~The musical program at the social hall was of very high quality with performances by two amazingly talented children, child prodigies who, we understand, are discoveries of the Foundation for Gifted Children. ‘And they are really gifted. ’One of them is DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN, a 13-year old of real divine grace!’.
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DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN, a 17-year old college freshman received the above “CERTIFICATE OF MERIT AWARD”. The youngest member of the Philippine Women’s University Choral Group, she was recently recognized as the Music Directress- Conductress of the PWU GLEE CLUB-DE LA SALLE COLLEGIATE CHORALE MIXED CHOIR. She will soon be initiated into the ALPHA TAU CHAPTER of the international music organization, MU PHI EPSILON.
National Artist/Composer and Dean of the Philippine Women’s University College of Music & Fine Arts, Ms. LUCRECIA KASILAG, was credited with having discovered 7-year old Divinagracia MONTALBAN’s gift for ”absolute pitch”. Later, as Dean Kasilag’s composition student during the concert violinist’s freshman and final sophomore years in college in Manila, (and seeing her become the youngest and most acclaimed college music graduate at 18 years of age in the Philippines), the young scholar inspired her mentor to comment:
“Divinagracia Montalban exudes attributes and dedication which will help fuel her dreams and fulfill unbridled goals as a multifaceted concert artist and consummate musician.”
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After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Music with high honors as an 18-year old college sophomore, Divinagracia Montalban received her fourth formal invitation from Malacanang Palace, this time from Philippine First Lady, IMELDA MARCOS. Indelibly impressed by the virtuosic and artistic qualities in the concert violinist’s performance, Mrs. Marcos dedicated the following lines:
“To a Brilliant Performer……With fond best wishes,
…..Imelda R. Marcos”
“DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN’s violin performance glowed with a rare craftsmanship and penetrating musical insights like no other!”
HERBERT ZIPPER, Australian
conductor
Music Director, Manila Symphony Orchestra
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(MANILA TIMES):
Divinagracia Montalban was incredibly blessed with a generous scholarship offered by the Merville Development Corporation of the Philippines to further her violin studies in New York City with the world renowned and deeply revered master pedagogue, the great IVAN GALAMIAN. A recipient of two more scholarships, one from Prof. Galamian himself and another from the JUILLIARD SCHOOL, Divinagracia successfully finished her Master of Music degree and Professional Studies from the prestigious performing school in NYC’s Lincoln Center.
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COMMAND PERFORMANCE in WASH., D.C.
DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN’s execution and interpretation of VIEUXTEMP’s ‘Violin Concerto No. 5’ (with her sister, AGNES MONTALBAN on the piano) drew rapt attention of the select international crowd of dignitaries and other distinguished guests.
“A rousing standing ovation greeted 19-year old concert violinist, DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN, during her COMMAND PERFORMANCE for the ambassadors and the plenipotentiaries of the countries from Europe, Latin America, Canada, and Asia, and the members of the U.S. Diplomatic Corps in Wash, D.C. Surrounded by a throng of diplomats and their wives, some of whom were in tears, Divinagracia was showered with kudos and congratulatory hugs and kisses for an amazingly impressive and moving performance”, observed by Mr. ALAN STRONG of the ‘VOICE of AMERICA’.
“DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN truly is a class act….Her musicality is beyond noteworthy, and her artistry is top-rated!”
EDUARDO ROMUALDEZ
Philippine Ambassador to the United States
“The elderly Italian Ambassador to the United States EGIDIO ORTONA and his entourage led the exhilarated crowd as they exclaimed, ‘BRAVISSIMA! BRAVISSIMA!’ while concert violinist, DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN, acknowledged the crowd’s demand for another encore number with her gracious smiles during the concert.”
CORA BLACKWELL
Philippine Embassy, Wash., D.C.
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Philippine Senator HELENA Z. BENITEZ came rushing to the backstage of Michael Paul Hall to the utter surprise of the violinist, DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN, following the latter’s successful “MASTER’s GRADUATION RECITAL” at New York City’s iconic Juilliard School. About DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN, famous alumna-full scholar of the Philippine Women’s University of which the lady senator was its Chairman of the Board, Senator Benitez proudly commented
“Divinagracia Montalban is one concert artist and erudite scholar who possesses many attributes that will prosper to the top level. She goes above and beyond expectations!”
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(Telegram from Buenos Aires, Argentina):
“Diviagracia Montalban...Hearty congratulations on your MA Graduation Recital at Juilliard...OUR COUNTRY IS PROUD OF YOU...Hope to see you soon..Regards to your dear parents and Agnes”……
Ambassador and Mrs. Eduardo Romualdez
Philippine Ambassador to the United States of America “
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“DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN’s display of bravura was simply overwhelming. WOW! So impressed and deeply moved! Best of luck to her on a glorious and distinguished career.”
JOE DE GUZMAN
Paul Recital Hall, The Juilliard School, NYC
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“DYNAMO OF A VIOLINIST! ….Her stylistic and vibrant rendition of SARASATE’s “Ziguerneweisen” (‘Gypsy Airs’) as her encore number, after sailing through a heavy and well executed program, revealed the intense passion of a true gypsy!”
ROSIE BELMONT, Hungarian Music Patron
Library & Museum of the Performing Arts
Lincoln Center, NYC
“MONTALBAN PROGRAM — A SMASHING SUCCESS”
“CHILDREN FLASH MUSICAL FINESSE”
“DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN’s ‘small world’ of young musical glimpses left an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of the audience who rewarded them and their coach/music director with a standing ovation. Their performance was captivating as they played with gusto and expressive style.”
PAN AM - sponsored concert
ROCKLEIGH REPORTER, NY
“DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN radiates soulfulness and commands respect with her fierce talents and decisiveness of technique. She is as gifted a performer as a teacher and music director. Her arrangements are rich with interesting and skillfully weaved counterpoint that heightens the enjoyment of the listeners and her audience.
BELLA SHUMIATCHER
Juilliard School piano professor & alumna;
Director, Shumiatcher School of Music, New York
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NEW YORK CITY DEBUT of the YOUTH POPS STRING ENSEMBLE with concert violinist DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN directing/performing with her student members from the grand piano in the packed Carnegie Recital Hall
Divinagracia Montalban-Lagua’s versatility as a gifted mentor and top-rated performing violinist-pianist-singer never fail to mesmerize her audience. Basking in her shining moment, Divinagracia Montalban acknowledges the crowd with generous smiles and thank you’s for their overwhelming responses to the entire repertoire she painstakingly arranged, taught, directed/performed.
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“Ms. MONTALBAN-LAGUA is a gifted and talented artist of the highest quality...An excellent teacher with a willing spirit and who is totally dedicated to her Art....The children respond to her beautifully and perform with the totality of their talent....She is an inspiration to all the students she teaches …an attribute to any institution, and an asset to the world of music.”
HERSHEL SPIEGEL, Ph D
Montclair State College, NJ
Divinagracia Montalban (lady in red blouse with back to the camera) directing the Philippine-American YOUTH POPS STRING ENSEMBLE in a performance at the FIRST CHILDREN’S WORLD'S FAIR sponsored by UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) at the open-air Asphalt Green in New York City.
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“MONTALBAN PROGRAM — A SMASHING SUCCESS”
“Everything Ms. MONTALBAN-LAGUA did on stage was totally at her command ….. a TOUR DE FORCE.....her demeanor as a well matured pedagogue astonishingly belies her youth, much too young for all that she has accomplished.”
FILIPINO REPORTER, NYC
SEPTEMBER 21st Musical Wedding of BENJAMIN & DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN-LAGUA with the NEW YORK CITY BRASS ENTOURAGE performing
Young trumpetist, CHRIS BOTTI, (second from right corner) plays with the NEW YORK CITY BRASS ENTOURAGE during the processional and recessional marches in BENJAMIN & DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN- LAGUA’s memorable September 21st wedding in New Jersey. Decades later, the now famous jazz trumpeter signed the wedding picture (shown above in black ink), following his Brooklyn concert which the Lagua couple and their son thoroughly enjoyed.
The NEW YORK CITY BRASS ENTOURAGE, with its second trumpeter, CHRIS BOTTI (second from left corner, back row), joined the newlyweds, BENJAMIN and DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN-LAGUA, and other distinguished musicians close to the bride for a photo-op after the matrimonial blessings. Chris Botti has become the best selling American jazz instrumental artist.
THE WEDDING RECEPTION
“WITH YOU MY LOVE”
Lyrics ……………………………… Benjamin, Jr. & Divinagracia Lagua
Music ………………………………………………….. Benjamin Lagua, Jr.
(Arranged for Piano & Strings) ……... Divinagracia Montalban-Lagua
Assisted by the YOUTH POPS STRING ENSEMBLE
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“YOUTH POPS STRING ENSEMBLE SALUTES LADY LIBERTY” at the U.N.
Divinagracia Montalban-Lagua (in her blue evening gown, seventh from right corner by second row) was given the distinct honor of single handedly directing and mentoring her YOUTH POPS STRING & VOCAL ENSEMBLE in a full length SRO (standing room only) concert capping the year-long “STATUE OF LIBERTY CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION”. It took place at the Dags Hammarksjold Auditorium of the United Nations in New York City while on her second month of pregnancy.
“DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN is a truly outstanding teacher. She has excellent musical and instrumental concepts. Her teaching is always constructive, thorough, and with great insights.”
GERALD SCHWARTZ, Recording artist and EMMY AWARDEE;
Music Director of the Mozart Festival of Lincoln Center and the
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
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Not only did concert artist Divinagracia Montalban-Lagua direct her YOUTH POPS STRING ENSEMBLE while performing on the violin but also capped the concert with her directing from the piano as the soloist in her intricate arrangement of LISZT’s “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2”. In answer to the audience clamor for an encore number, the group got the crowd clapping in unison with the highly rhythmical “Hava Nageela”. The memorable gathering took place at the Heckscher Auditorium in Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts in New York City.
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Divinagracia Montalban-Lagua posing after giving a vocal performance as she accompanied herself on the piano for AT&T’s “4-D
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“Divinagracia Montalban’s being endowed with a voice that soars as high as a singing lark’s sweeps everybody off his feet, or keeps him rooted to the ground to hear the singer, not the song.”
THE SCROLL (Official organ of the University of the Philippines Preparatory School)
Manila, Philippines
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“There is an old Irish song that begins, ‘A little bit of heaven fell from out the sky one day’ —— those words best express the feelings of the audience while listening to DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN-LAGUA’s beautiful voice and piano renditions. It was the evidence of the Lord’s presence among us on the day of her performance .…sharing so beautifully God’s gifts with us!
MAUREEN SLADE
St. Frances Cabrini Church Cultural Committee
Piscataway, NJ
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“The YOUTH POPS STRING ENSEMBLE is a cut above others.....With Ms. MONTALBAN-LAGUA at the helm, they radiated vibrantly and performed with lyrical grace.”
(NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER)
RITA VILLADIEGO
FILIPINO REPORTER, NYC
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DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN-LAGUA is seen in a candid shot while warming up prior to her unique violin-piano-song performance for the Philippine Ambassador to the United States Honorable RAUL CH. RABE at the Sheraton Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.
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“The violinist, DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN, performed with such brilliance
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“C’est tres bon... extraordinaire! It was a pleasure to hear the lovely sound of Melle. MONTALBAN. She exhibited a good understanding of the music she played as she launched into a succession of masterpieces with ease and bravura. Her violin renditions had much heart, musical charm, and vision.”
MDME. BARUCHET
Valais Festival du Musique, SUISSE
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“Thumbs up and brava to Melle. DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN!”
PATRICK DIAZ
“L'AUTOMNE MUSICALE”, France
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“Fantastic violin-playing!...Srta. DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN has far to go!”
Sra. CARMEN DE CRUYLLES
Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain
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Srta. DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN played with great sonority, was adept at technical performance, yet so musical!”
CASAL de METGE
Cataluna, Spain
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“Dynamic performance! DIVINAGRACIA MONTALBAN, this lady musician-artist who has proven herself a starburst in all her performances in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France, Austria, Canada, Philippines, and other parts of North America, has remained unspoiled by her successes.”
BOB RUSSELL
“Kaleidoscope”, WNYC-FM, NYC
One of three awards-display walls (which also feature newspaper clippings) in her private residence is a partial testament to the multi-talents and blessings bestowed on Filipino-American concert artist-music director-arranger-choral conductor-mentor- songwriter, DIVINAGRACIA B. MONTALBAN-LAGUA.