History was written in Pampanga's cultural scene on Monday, January 19, 2026, as Holy Angel University (HAU) hosted a landmark musical event. The free concert, titled 'Tones Through Time: A Musical Odyssey', marked the first of its kind in Angeles City and the entire province, filling the HAU Theater with an appreciative audience.
A Gift of Music Shared Freely
The afternoon performance featured the renowned pianist Dr. Raffi Kasparian, who offered his talent without charge as part of his personal outreach mission. "I can tell you one thing: it is not about money," Dr. Kasparian stated emphatically. The doctor of Musical Arts and former 24-year pianist for The United States Army Chorus expressed his fortune in being able to share his gift in the Ilocos region, Manila, and now, Pampanga.
"God gave me a gift that I worked hard [to polish], however, it’s not worth anything if I don’t share it," he explained. Dr. Kasparian extended this philosophy of sharing to the youth, advising them to 'follow your heart with some wisdom mixed in'. He encouraged them to pursue their innate passions, suggesting such inclinations could be divine guidance toward a purposeful path.
Foundation and Friendship Fuel the Arts
The concert was presented by the SILAW Foundation, founded by Dr. Kasparian's wife, Joyce Vasquez Kasparian. Joyce, who believes music is the 'language of the soul', noted that "people are hungry for good music." The resounding applause that followed the performance confirmed her observation. Buoyed by the positive reception, the foundation plans to organize more concerts, provided community support continues.
Such support was exemplified by Hilana Timbol Roman, a high school and college classmate and close friend of Joyce, who helped make the event possible. The concert successfully bridged generations, captivating students and older attendees alike, including HAU President Leopoldo Jaime N. Valdes.
A New Cultural Chapter for HAU
President Valdes described the experience as a rare opportunity to 'relax, listen, and understand the brief history of classical music'. He reflected that the journey through different musical periods fostered a deeper appreciation for how classical music has evolved into its modern forms. For him, it was an enjoyable and added educational journey.
Inspired by this successful inaugural event, Holy Angel University now aims to hold at least two concerts per year, formally integrating arts, music, and culture into its institutional offerings. With this new direction, President Valdes openly invites music enthusiasts to come forward: "We would love to hear from you!"
The memorable event concluded with a photo on stage, uniting President Valdes, the Kasparians, Hilana Timbol Roman, and Myra Lopez, Assistant Director of the HAU Center for Kapampangan Studies, symbolizing a collaborative step forward for local arts. The moment was captured by photographer Vianca Ramoneda.
