From quiet beginnings to concert stages, pianist Reynaldo ‘Raki’ Reyes Gendrano has built a musical life shaped by discipline, devotion and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
An award-winning classical pianist, composer, arranger, and organist, Raki studied Piano Performance at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) under the tutelage of highly acclaimed pianist Mariel Ilusorio and is a recipient of an artistic scholarship from the Original Pilipino Performing Arts (OPPA) Foundation.
He has attended piano masterclasses under professor Carolyn Cheng, Jovianny Emmanuel Cruz, Oliver Salonga, Horacio Nuguid, Isaac Chua, Ming Xie, and professor Rolf Dieter-Arenas of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Germany. During his early student years as a performance major, he was also mentored by professor Miguel Aspiras.
Raki’s awards include First Place at the Iglesia ni Cristo International Piano Competition in 2016; National Winner in the Chamber Category of the National Music Competition for Young Artists (Namcya) in 2019 with The Bard Trio; the Steinway and Sons Award (Collegiate Division) at the American Music Teachers League Competition in 2021; Third Place at the Kayserburg International Youth Piano Competition (Philippines) in 2021; and First Place at Namcya in 2021.
He has performed with and accompanied numerous singers and instrumentalists, and has been a guest musician of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). He also performed at the 2023 Namcya Winners’ Concert held at the Gulangyu Concert Hall in Xiamen, China.
Soon, Double Pentagon Concerts and Manila Pianos Inc. will present Raki in a traversal of the complete piano sonatas of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This third concert of the cycle will be held on Sunday, July 5 at 6 p.m.
We spoke with Raki about his musical journey, his mentors, his goals, his dream repertoire, and what continues to motivate him, as well as his plans for the next five years.
Raki’s earliest exposure to creativity came between the ages of five and six, when his Lolo Edgar introduced him to sketching and drawing. He could sketch mountain views and rural life using chalk.
Later, his aunt, a music teacher in an elementary school in Tondo, Manila, brought home a keyboard for practice. At first, he would cry whenever she practiced in her room, unsure of what he was hearing. At seven years old, she eventually introduced him to music. He studied basic music theory, completing the lessons in a month. His aunt also provided materials on classical composers, along with books, and they regularly listened to Sunday Classics with the Masters on DZWW radio and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master’s Touch. Raki considers these early experiences crucial in shaping his musical foundation.
When it comes to his mentors, Raki emphasizes the value of discipline as the common thread among them.
“I love all of my music teachers. The one thing common about them is discipline. If the student has discipline, everything will be aligned: practice, chamber playing, accompanying others, and more. It teaches you to embrace and love your passion. The people who had the biggest impact on me are my aunt, my first teacher in music, because of her I am here now performing and sharing my love for music, and my piano teacher now, Mariel Ilusorio, who taught me that music has the power to affect people’s minds, hearts, and souls. It does not matter how perfect the performance is, but how the audience understands the music you offer them.”
On his goals and approach to performance, he shares a philosophy rooted in presence rather than measurement or comparison.
“I was always setting goals when I perform, but not necessarily in terms of upgrading technical ability or musical maturity. I try to live in the moment when I sit at the piano and begin to make music for everyone listening. It is what it is. The bottom line is, not everything in your mind will happen. You expect the best and prepare for the worst. As my former voice minor teacher said, it is your own glory or your own funeral. Always pray and manifest.”
His dream repertoire reflects both ambition and fulfillment already achieved.
“Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23, is one of my dreams, and I already performed it three years ago at my graduation recital. Now, I am performing the complete Mozart piano sonatas, which is halfway through. Another ultimate piece I want to perform in public is J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Playing it for about an hour and a half without interruption would be an incredible feat. Bach’s music feels pure and divine, as if it is closest to our Lord God. I also want to perform my own compositions.”
What keeps him grounded is a combination of faith, support and self-discipline.
“First of all, the Almighty God who gave me this gift of music. In concerts and recitals, whenever I bow, I always pray and give thanks for everything I have. I give all the glory to Him. Secondly, my family and friends who support me at every stage of my life. Lastly, myself, for always pushing forward and believing that everything is possible through prayer and manifestation.”
Looking ahead, he sets his sights on further study and artistic expansion. “To study abroad for a Master’s degree is on top of my list. I also want to establish myself more not just as a pianist, but as a collaborating artist and composer.”
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It is indeed praise-worthy that pianist Reynaldo “Raki” Reyes Gendrano continues to give glory to God through his music. We wish him success in all his future endeavors.
Experience Mozart like never before as Double Pentagon Concerts and Manila Pianos Inc. present pianist Reynado Raki Reyes Gendrano in a complete performance of Mozart’s piano sonatas, happening on July 5, 6 p.m., at the Manila Pianos Showroom, Ronac Lifestyle Center, Magallanes, Makati City. For tickets, message 09174158876.