At the age of 9, living as a Filipino expatriate in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Brent Cataneo Amado is not just any child. He is a prodigy, a young pianist whose fingers dance on the keys with a maturity and emotion that belie his tender years. Brent’s story is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence that has led him from the quiet confines of his home during the pandemic to the grand stages of international music competitions.
Starting his musical journey at the age of 6, Brent quickly moved from being a novice to playing complex pieces like Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Fur Elise.
“At six years old, I began taking piano lessons,” Brent recalls with The Global Filipino Magazine.
“My mother made the decision to push me to take piano lessons since we often attend online classes during the pandemic and mostly were restrained at home.”
In a remarkably short period, Brent’s talent shone brightly, earning him a bronze award in the World Classical Music Awards in Europe and another in the London Young Musician 2022.
By the age of 7, he had already clinched the Gold Medal in the Gulf Musician Idol 2022 in the piano category. His crowning achievement to date is winning the American Protégé, which has invited him to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York in June 2024.
“If I’m not mistaken, I’m the first Filipino Kid to perform and who will debut solo performing piano in this famous Carnegie Hall in New York where most famous legends perform,” he shared.
This significant milestone has not only put him on the map but also got him featured in major newspapers in Bahrain.
But Brent’s interests and talents are not confined to the piano. He is also an accomplished artist and athlete. Last year, he was a participant in the Grand Art Exhibition held at the University of the Philippines Diliman and has consistently won in the Bahrain Art Culture and Heritage Drawing Competition. Brent is equally active in sports, having ventured into triathlon, swimming, and taekwondo, bagging medals in the latter two.
On a typical day, Brent balances rigorous piano practice with his studies and other interests.
“It is actually a little challenging at first,” he admits, speaking of his early days learning the piano.
His disciplined routine involves morning classes followed by training or practice in the afternoon, with weekends and school holidays offering more flexibility for leisure and enjoyment.
Reflecting on his first piano award, Brent said, “I’m amazed. It may seem difficult to win after less than a year of training, but I achieved it, and I’m really proud of myself.”
This win was not just a personal victory but a launchpad that propelled him into the limelight, validating his hard work and dedication.
The opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall is a dream come true for Brent, a moment he describes as “surreal.” As he prepares for this significant event, he is filled with anticipation, eager to showcase his talent on such an iconic stage.
“I’m a little anxious because I’ll be performing and meeting with international piano virtuosos,” he shared, revealing the humble side of this young achiever.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Brent enjoys playing with Rubik’s cubes, reading, and drawing. His favorite artworks are the ones he displayed at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Grand Art Exhibition, which reflect his love for sports.
When asked about how he balances his diverse interests, Brent credits his mother’s unwavering support.
“She always plans ahead for me when it comes to my training schedule, playtime, and overall enjoyment,” he says gratefully.
This support system has allowed him to excel not only in his extracurricular activities but also academically, where he consistently receives top grades.
For other kids looking to pursue their passions, Brent offers sage advice, emphasizing the importance of hard work, perseverance, and discipline over talent alone.
“Discipline must always be applied consistently. And a hard work always has a disciplined sound to it,” he advises.