Whenever pianist David Osborne talks about superstars such as Celine Dion, Diana Ross and Kenny Rogers, he does so as if they are everyday people.

“Oh, I saw Celine when I played at this restaurant! Kenny dropped by, too, and at another table was Diana. I don’t think I was able to say ‘Hi,’ though. Or did I?” David said during an exclusive interview with Manila Bulletin held inside the Champagne Room at Manila Hotel.

David doesn’t get star struck easily because he has played for far more important people.

Dubbed “Pianist to the Presidents,” he has been a favorite performer at the White House for US Presidents such as Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and even Barack Obama.

On June 19, David Osborne gives Manila’s music fans the privilege to enjoy his genius via a one-night-only concert titled, “The Keys to your Heart.”

To be held at Manila Hotel, David has prepared an eclectic repertoire that includes “Music of the Night” from “Phantom of the Opera,” samba-classic “Girl from Ipanema,” recent Grammy Award winning song “Viva La Vida,” Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World” and rock tune “Open Arms.”

Joining David at the concert are violinist John Lesaca, saxophonist Eddie Katindig, boy soprano Kris Gonzales, soprano Fame Flores, classical-pop group Angelos, Atty. Joey Lina and Pinky Marquez.

“Filipinos are very talented musically. I put a lot of heart and soul in my music but some Americans don’t get it the way people in Asia do. Besides that, the people here are friendlier and more genuine,” he said.

David believes it’s just a matter of time before the likes of Charise Pempengco and Arnel Pineda would open the door for other Filipinos to make it big in the US. He said that even in the amateur level, he has met Filipinos who just blew him away.

“There is this choir in California with Filipino members who sing as if they are African American! It’s so amazing because if you’d just listen to them with eyes closed, you wouldn’t think they are Filipino at all,” he said.

David is generous with his compliments because he has received so many himself. Singer Johnny Mathis has said that David “deserved continued success” while Roger Williams has called David “king of romantic pianists in America.”

And the best compliment so far: “The man can play like no one else” - US President and Mrs. Bill Clinton!

Yet David remains down to earth and magnanimous. Despite his busy calendar – David performs five nights a week at the Bacarat Lounge at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas -   he has come to Manila for this concert with all proceeds going to the construction of the Scala Santa Chapel in Monte Maria, Batangas.

The chapel is a project of healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez, CC. A healing mass will also be held prior to the show.                  

Even with his music, David would rather reach out to as many people as possible, rather than be praised for his skills and techniques.

“I do that by playing pop music with a classical flair,” said David who has so far sold at least five million copies of the 22 CDs he has recorded.
 
David, a child prodigy, started taking piano lessons at age four. Born and raised in Miami, Oklahoma, he received his undergraduate degree from Oral Roberts University.

He later studied classical pipe organ and piano performance at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. He then completed a master’s degree in keyboard performance and music composition at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas.

When asked what music he’d play for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should she attend the concert, David’s sense of humor came to fore.

“Since she won’t be here by then, maybe I’d perform “I’ll Be Seeing You.” I also think she would like music from Broadway shows since she seems to be such an educated lady. Or maybe that song from ‘Sunset Boulevard’ titled ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye,’” he said.

 David considers his Manila concert “a dream come true.”

“I had been asked so many times by my good friend Architect Nestor Mangio to come here and finally, here I am. I’m not only excited to perform but also go around the country. I am particularly interested in going to Greenhills because they say they offer good bargains there,” he said.

Although none as good as the deal “The Keys to your Heart” offer to Filipino music aficionados.

“The Keys to Your Heart” is produced by Beth Sison-Tagle of Newsmakers. Stage direction is by Al Quinn while musical direction is by John Lesaca.

“The Keys to Your Heart” is presented by The Lakeshore and Manila Hotel with the support of JAM 88.3 FM and Absolute Distilled Drinking Water. For ticket inquiries and reservations, call Newsmakers at 911-5615 or 438-7200.